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Concentration is the ability to keep one's mind steadily on a given
subject for a stated interval. It can be developed--if you practice the following suggestions long enough.
- Emotional worries or problems: First, attend to all crises or
serious problems. Either do something about them or decide what to do
about it--later. Have faith that the world will still be there with its problems and joys while you take time out to study. Instead,
enlist your emotions in your study as you must be totally involved.
- Study conditions: A regular time and regular place
(well-lighted and quiet) will suggest study. If you find it compatible
and profitable to study with others, fine. Use a straight back chair to encourage alertness. The room should be well ventilated and not
above 70º. Only soft music, if you must.
- Eyes: Rest eyes frequently as eye staring can quickly cause
fatigue. Look away from your book, blink hard several times, or palm your eyes to rest them. Avoid glaring reading lights or reading in the
sun.
- Purpose: Place a value (purpose) on your reading--grades,
units, or information to be gained. A more specific purpose can be developed by first surveying the reading material and forming questions
from the title and headings. Then you would read to answer your questions.
- Interest: Some subjects will be more interesting to you than
others. The above survey-question method to soften up the material before the serious reading will create interest as well as purpose.
Interest will surge and subside. Expect this! Whatever, the responsibility for developing interest is yours.
- Background information: Recall what you already know about the
subject. This will generate interest which serves concentration. If you find the material new and difficult, go to simpler sources for your
initial reading.
- Questions, Questions: Ask questions as your survey the
chapter. This will help develop your curiosity, interest, concentration and motivation. As you dig into the reading, ask more
specific questions of concepts, statements and beyond--of your own analyses, inferences, synthesis or evaluation. Ask: Why? How? What
if? How does this relate...?
- Organize the material: Chapters have an order or structure for
the thought flow and development. Utilize this order as a hanger for details, relating and associating the details to the main ideas which
make up the structure. You can concentrate and remember better if you
have a clear sense of where you are and where you are going with ideas.This can be achieved if you "tie in" details to the major ideas
(larger framework) as you read.
- Visualize: Create pictures in your mind as you read. The
visual sense is most helpful in stimulating interest, concentration and
memory as well as understanding.
- Read faster: The faster you read, the more you have to attend
to the material, leaving less time for distractions or your thoughts to
wander. Speed also binds the material closer as you are perceiving more and, the more you perceive of the whole, the more you will find it
meaningful and interesting.
- Self-recitation: Engage in a split-second
recitation-reflection after reading each paragraph or manageable portion to test your understanding before recording this understanding
briefly. This self-recitation not only refreshes interest but keeps you actively involved which serves concentration.
- Make notes: Make brief notes in your own words following
self-recitation. Copying passively not only is an absolute waster of time, but it actually decreases concentration. Underlining does not
serve concentration as well as your own paraphrased notes.
- Review: Review your notes occasionally while reading a
chapter. After you have completed your reading, review it again to be
sure you have really "got it."
- Warm-up: the first 10-20 minutes is often a readiness
period--a warm-up period to develop interest and mood for studying. Don't be disappointed if you fail to concentrate 100% at the beginning.
If often takes some time to get into it. Hang in there! This is when
most students close the book, feeling they just can't study tonight. Not so!
- Lapses and fatigue: If your concentration flags during the
study period, take short breaks. Stretch, stand, rest your eyes, walk
about, get a drink and then resume your studying. Later, when you feel
you've had it with the subject, take a mental break changing to another
subject. A review of your notes is encouraging and this refreshes interest and concentration. Change to an easier assignment. If you
are sure you've had it for that study session, quit for the time being.
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