Contacts in Learning and Teaching Services

Student Support Lab > Improve your Concentration Skills
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Improve Your Concentration Skills

A student’s life is not an easy one and trying to concentrate to write a paper or study can sometimes be difficult. Many factors affect the ability to concentrate: poor diet, lack of exercise, personal issues, irregular sleep or an inappropriate learning environment. Any one of these factors can send students in a tail spin.

Learn to recognize when you are experiencing problems and learn how to evaluate your work habits. Here are some suggestions to help improve your concentration.

• Choose a Study Location
  Make sure the environment is conducive to studying. Places like the library, quiet study area or an empty classroom are appropriate. Avoid elements that are distracting - no TV, music and turn off your cell phone.
  
  
• Set Regular Goals
  Set realistic goals for each study session so you can see your progress towards a larger goal. Reward yourself with small breaks. A 3 minute break for every 30 minutes is a good guideline. You can use an alarm to get you started.
  
  
• Be Motivated
  Be prepared, have all your study materials on hand before you begin. This will allow you to vary the learning activities throughout your study session. Make studying an active process; Read, write, take notes, research, etc.
  
  
• Well Being
  
  Take care of yourself. As difficult as it may be try and get enough sleep, eat well balanced meals and drink water. Research has shown that better diet means better grades.
  
  
• Personal Issues
  If personal issues are getting in the way, make an appointment with counseling, your academic advisor, or Campus Ministry. Algonquin offers support for difficult times.
  
  
• Build Routines
  Choose a time and place to study everyday. Schedule studying in your timetable so that you physically go somewhere to study. One you have developed a pattern you will start going automatically. Here are some simple exercises to help your memory
  
  
• Memory Exercises
  • Droodles, improve your memory and creativity
    http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/droodles/
  • Don’t forget –memory exercises
    http://www.exploratorium.edu/memory/dont_forget/index.html