I am 42 and I just started school what can I do to keep me focus. Also I don't seem to be comprehending well

Answer 1

Get rid of all distractions. If you aren't comprehending well, you might just be out of practice. Sit in the front right where you have no choice but to listen to the lecture. Take notes. Record if the professor allows. If that still doesn't help. Have you ever considered that you might have ADD? If not, you could always try some ginko biloba. Good luck and don't give up. Your brain has been out of practice. Dust off those cobwebs. It should get better.

Answer 2

When I was at school as a kid, I remember HATING school. Nearly everything about it. This did not make it easy to go back as an adult. I had to "unlearn" my old attitudes first.

I would recommend getting rid of negativity, especially during those classes you really don't like. I can't stress this enough. If you let yourself get negative during a class like english, for example, you've just sabotaged your best efforts. Rather than say "you don't seem to be comprehending well," say "I'm gonna give this class my best effort." Silly, but it helps. Get yourself a notebook and take as many notes as you can. Focusing on notetaking may keep you from realizing you're supposed to be hating a class.

As with the suggestion to take notes, use the notebook for every class. Make sure that, at least, everything written on the board is captured in the notebook. Many teachers give open-note tests. This will reduce your stress since that's one less subject you have to study for a test. You may even find the act of taking notes enables you to learn better since you're hearing the information AND writing it down.

Finally, COMMUNICATION is key. Don't feel dumb asking a stupid question. You're paying for the class, ASK! You'd feel much stupider missing an easy question on a test because you were afraid of asking a stupid question. If you still don't get it and you don't want to hold up class, contact the teacher outside of class if time permits. Also, ask other students for help. My University had a tutoring center free for students. Use it. Often times teachers know the material so well that they can't comprehend why you don't understand, and therefore only explain in the same manner that you didn't understand previously. Students who just learned the material and understand it are an invaluable asset as they can bridge the gap from what you know to what you need to learn.

Answer 3

I applaud your even asking the question. Firstly, start getting friendly with as many of your classmates as possible, this will help you in ways you may not comprehend now, but all will become clear along the way.
It can't be easy taking up studies as an adult.
I don't know whether you are giong to school as a mature student or because you want to just improve your literacy and numeracy skills.
I was never very bright at school because I was too easily distracted. But that didn't mean I couldn't learn. I was just a bit slow. As for comprehending what is being taught, you may find yourself being left behind if you don't concentrate on what the teacher is saying (just like I didn't).
Since you have a computer, I can assume that you have a reasonable grasp of things and your life's experiences will count for a lot.
Best of luck.

Answer 4

Yopu should seek help from the schools guidance program. They can help you get tested for learning disabilities or issues. No two students learn at the same pace or through the same methods.

You just need a little help finding your way. If your reading level is offf, or you just don't understand what you read, maybe you could get your text books on tape so you could listen to them instead.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Think ahead of time, what if you dont get your head into the books? It would just make it harder to enroll and take the class AGAIN.
if you have kids, show them your motivated to do good in school to set a good example for them so they can be motivated "erggh, I dont want to be here but i guess if mom can do, ill have to"

Also, a cliche one would be give yourself rewards when accomplish a good test score or even just finishing your homework.

just be optimistic
good luck :]

Answer 6

essential fatty acids needed for brain function. we need them more as we get older to help the cells of the brain communicate with each other. lots of fish and flax seed oil...up to 8000 units a day. also do crosswords to exercise your brain. even the simple one help. good luck

Answer 7

tell yourself that you can do it.. and if you don't understand anything just re read it until you can understand it.
and try to study in a quiet environment. or ask some of your classmates if they want to have a study group. If you have anyquestions you can always ask them.

Answer 8

keep your head in the books, nothing else, just clear your mind and push your thoughts away from tomorrow

Answer 9

Don't worry about it, its just because your old.