1. Concentration and Studying By Dr. Dolores Kiesler

2. What causes lack of concentration when studying? Distractions, such as phone calls, television, loud noises Fatigue, lack of adequate rest Lack of materials needed for study Non-Peak study times Lack of organization Visual Distractions Friends Computer Games and Instant Messenger

3. So what can you do to concentrate more effectively??? 1. Create a study environment 2. Determine when your peak time is 3. Be organized 4. Get plenty of rest 5. Make agreements with friends

4. Hints for Improving Concentration Set goals before studying Take breaks by doing something different Keep pad of paper handy to jot down thoughts Don’t mix work and play Mix subjects and tasks when studying Give yourself rewards

5. What kind of goals should I set? Determine the priority of what you need to study Determine the time you will need for each task Form a schedule with time slots for each task Include short break periods on the schedule Hold yourself to the schedule Set an appropriate reward

6. Sample Priorities w/ Time Limits 1.Math test at 8 a.m. tomorrow—1 hour 2.Read Psychology assignment—30 minutes 3.Write persuasive paragraph for English—30 minutes 4.Work on revising draft of English paper—30 minutes 5.Begin research for history paper—1 hour 6.Review for Math test again—15 minutes

7. Sample Goals 1.I will study for my math test at least 1 hour 2.I will read my psychology assignment 3.I will write my persuasive paragraph for English 4.I will spend 30 minutes revising my English paper 5.I will spend an hour doing research for my history paper

8. Sample Study Schedule 6-7Math Test 7-7:15Break 7:15-7:45Psychology 7:45-8:15Write Persuasive Paragraph 8:15-8:30Break and walk to library 8:30-9:00Revise English paper 9:00-10:00History Research in Library Before Bed—15 minute review of math

9. Review How do you create a good study environment? Why should you set priorities and goals? Why are breaks and rewards important? What can you do if you are constantly distracted while studying? What will you change about the way you now study?