Concentration means much more than just attending.
To concentrate means to pay attention by focusing on what you are
doing.
First, you must recognize factors that cause you to lose
concentration. These can be internal, such as hunger, tiredness,
excessive worrying, and negative feelings or emotions. They can also
be external, such as noise, lighting, temperature, and
interruptions.
Becoming aware of your learning styles and how you process
information can also help you choose strategies to achieve maximum
concentration, memory, and learning.
Once you recognize these things, you can use self-regulation
strategies to reduce or eliminate distractions and enhance your
ability to concentrate to the greatest extent possible.
It is within your control to change your study environment and
habits in order to create optimal conditions for yourself. For
example, you are in charge of when and where you study. You can also
try breaking long assignments into smaller, more manageable parts,
turning the cell phone off, or adjusting your work hours. Experiment and
develop a study routine that works for you.
For more ideas, check out Improving Your Concentration at
Kansas State University. You can also find more resources in study
skills Web sites or enroll in a college success or study strategies
course.
