Workshops and Outreach Groups

Topics: Time Management

Concentration

Do you find yourself daydreaming when you sit down to study? Do you stare into space after reading your textbook, trying to "absorb" the information? Or do you look at pictures of friends or family instead of doing the task in front of you? All of these may eventually lead to wasting time and frustration. Here are a few tips to help you concentrate better:

• Study in small blocks of time instead of long time periods. Try 60 minute blocks of time and take 10 minute breaks in between.
• Tell yourself (as crazy as it sounds) before you begin to study, "I am concentrating on ___." Each time you find your mind wandering, repeat this phrase. Concentrating is a skill and you may need to remind yourself to practice it.
• Remove distractions from your desk/study space. Minimize noise.
• Alternate topics, rather than spending 2-3 hours on one subject.
• Use a hi-liter as you read, underlining the important words in concepts that are presented.
• Reward yourself once you've completed something.
• Develop regular study habits -- same place, same time. Try reserving one place for studying that you don't use for anything else. See Study Environment.