Concentration and Time Management Review

Concentration Humans are limited capacity information processors. Therefore we MUST focus our attention on the things which are important to us. Humans are limited capacity information processors. Therefore we MUST focus our attention on the things which are important to us. Attention directs us to look at something and concentration keeps us there and provides an opportunity for us to be actively involved in the activity. Attention directs us to look at something and concentration keeps us there and provides an opportunity for us to be actively involved in the activity.

Concentration The key to having good concentration when studying is: The key to having good concentration when studying is: –Think about it Before you study –Learn to be aware of and eliminate distracters

Types of Distracters - Internal Internal distracters Internal distracters – Examples: Hunger Hunger Sleep needs Sleep needs Illness Illness Anxiety Anxiety –Eliminate distracters : Exercise control Exercise control –Eat, –Sleep, –look like you are studying. –Write a "to do list" –Focus on the task at hand.

Types of Distracters - External External distracters External distracters –Examples Noise Noise Uncomfortable chair Uncomfortable chair Mess Mess –Eliminate distracters: Exercise control Exercise control –Manage Noise, friends, TV. –Have materials ready. (don't prep for too long) –Remove pictures, bills, etc.

Scheduling and Time management Manage your motivation Manage your motivation –Develop an interest –Set a goal –Organize the material. –Make it manageable - to insure high efficacy

While you are studying Get rid of distracters as they come up. (Be aware of your "self talk") Get rid of distracters as they come up. (Be aware of your "self talk") Keep periods of concentration short. Keep periods of concentration short. Follow "Grandma's rule” (work now play later) Follow "Grandma's rule” (work now play later) Work first, THEN, take a break Work first, THEN, take a break Get actively engaged! Get actively engaged! –Possible strategies?

Concentration - Listening Before Lecture Before Lecture –Manage your motivation Have goals Have goals Develop an interested Develop an interested –Come prepared Questions, responses Questions, responses Know how you are going to organize the material. Know how you are going to organize the material. –Interact with the material Ask questions Ask questions Look for main points Look for main points Keep your eyes on the speaker Keep your eyes on the speaker Respond to the speaker Respond to the speaker –Keep an open mind

Concentration - Listening During the Lecture During the Lecture –Be aware of: glassy eyed stares. glassy eyed stares. the "in ear out pen" syndrome. the "in ear out pen" syndrome. your "Self-talk". your "Self-talk".