I have trouble staying focused on studying once I begin. (As you can see by my writing oh this question, haha) I look away from my task every couple minutes and I can't seem to keep my mind on one thing, or I can't keep reading what i'm supposed to be reading. I feel that this is something I can fix myself, and that it is NOT something a tutor could help me with. I just need motivation. Any suggestions?
2007-03-13 16:25:01 · 6 answers · asked by Mellio 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I don't believe it is ADD or ADHD, as I have no trouble concentrating on other tasks. I can read books that I choose for enjoyment for hours, and am able to watch movies for hours with no distractions. Anything else is not a problem, it just seems to be things that I may not be as interested in.
2007-03-13 16:31:51 · update #1
I had this problem when I first started college. There's so much going on, and so many distractions it's hard to stay focused (especially if it's not something that interests you!).
If you have trouble staying focused for a long time, then DON'T! Yes, you have to study, but break it down into small sections - you won't feel so trapped by the work. And don't just read the material - incorporate something else you like to help. Do you like to draw? Write? Type on the computer? Make that a part of your studying.
Start at the beginning of the chapter you have to read. Read one paragraph. That's not too hard! Maybe use a highlighter to pick out key items. I used to use a color system - blue for names, green for vocabulary terms, yellow for stuff I thought was a little important, orange for medium importance, pink for "you know this is gonna be on the test!". It also helped when it came time to study - if I just had a little time, look at pink - if I had more time, look at more colors. It made me organize a little better. I also used this system in my notes. Once your done with a paragraph, stop for a few minutes to take a break. Then do another. Then try two. Or set an alarm for 5 minutes, then ten, then 15. By starting in small amounts, then taking a short break it will be easier to study than thinking your committed for the next two hours.
Rewrite things from the book and your notes too. It gets a different part of your brain involved. Pretend you are the teacher and make up questions, then write out the answers. Or make flash cards - this is something lots of students do to study!
I like to go to the gym and take walks outside when it was nice - I used this time to study, too. I tape recorded my notes and took a set of headphones and small recorder with me. It got me out of my room, too, on nice days.
Try to set aside a specific time of the day to study, and a time where you can do what you want. Just make sure the studying gets done! And reward yourself for getting things done - set a specific goal (I'll read pages 23 - 31 by 4:00pm), then do something else for a while, and then come back to studying. Be realistic in your goals, too - don't try the impossible.
One last thing, is that you might be trying to study the wrong way for "you". One of my teachers gave us a learning profile sheet on the first day of class. There are two online site where you can take a quiz to see how you learn best. One asks for your name, etc. but you dont have to enter it. It will analyze your strengths and weaknesses and give you ideas on study tips. I'll put the websites in the box below.
Good luck!
2007-03-13 17:15:08 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. When ur doing something, try multi-tasking so that u don't get bored so easily. The more u multitask the better u get at it. Also, if ur studying at home, try taking a break every half hr. or so and getting a snack or something else that takes maybe ten min. Then by the time u get back, ur mind is fresh again. This seems to help me, but it won't make ur attention span perfect. Once u find something to do that u really love, u won't have problems w/ it anymore
2007-03-13 16:32:08 · answer #2 · answered by angelfire22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just need to find the best time when you can study. Some people study several times during one day or some are better at night than the day. Just put a deadline in your mind for when you want an assignment done and just do it. You will have to meet deadlines in the real world so start making your deadlines and buckle down. Just do it!!
2007-03-13 16:35:59 · answer #3 · answered by l'il mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they say targeting issues like techniques teasers and crosswords can fairly help, failing that attempt yoga to sit down down back and make time for quiet moments which will in all probability assist you stumble on a 2d to pay interest (from my journey i spend a % listening and relax techniques doing different issues then midway tho think of damn - lost what this communique is approximately ought to have paid extra interest)!!
2016-09-30 21:41:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your choice is between studying boring stuff or not.
Or is it between being a success or a loser.
The boring stuff will end being a loser go's on for ever.
2007-03-13 16:40:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you think you might have ADHD? Maybe your doctor could suggest something.
2007-03-13 16:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋