Maximizing Your Focus and Concentration: Tips for College Students

[bolzano95]

Hi!
I recently noticed I have really big problems concentrating when attending my college lectures (1year). Let me give an example:

I come to the physics lecture and I'm totally engaged in the lecture material. But after 20min I start to lose interest and I have to physically force myself to stay in the class until the end. In the meantime I'm thinking about everything BUT physics.
In the long term this leads to nowhere and already I'm asking myself why go to the lectures at all.
It really doesn't make any sense to me, because the lectures are really interesting and the professor really lectures (not just reading the powerpoint presentation).
Also, when I start doing physics problem, I do them for an about hour, do a break, then another hour, and then simply say: That's it, enough for today.
But I should also practice my math and programming.

I really don't want to leave everything for the last weeks of the semester.

Please help!

 

[hutchphd]

Two suggestions:
1) Read and try to understand the assigned material before you go to lecture. If someone were to ask "hey @bolzano95 what's today's lecture going to be about" you should be able to give a couple of minute presentation. Identify the stuff you don't understand and use your 20 minutes of lecture consciousness accordingly
2) Stop worrying about how much time you spend studying. Become task oriented. Decide the the goals for the week (and then the day) and work until they are done. Do it every week. And no (...fill in your vice of choice here...) until you are done.
This is not complicated. Nor is it easy to implement for most folks. You asked!

 

[Choppy]

Ultimately you'll have to find out what works best for you, but here are a few ideas that can help you stay focused during lectures.

• Limit social media. It's very easy to get addicted to the little spike of dopamine that you get when someone likes your post, or sends you a text, etc. We live in a world that's constantly trying to get our attention and then rewarding us when it gets it. For many, it can become a chore then just to sit still, even during something interesting.
• Get adequate sleep. Avoid replacing sleep with caffeine.
• Take detailed notes. One of the down sides to having Power Point slides readily available is that its easy to disengage because the important notes are already there. Start with a blank sheet of paper (or use a tablet app that acts like one) and actively takes down the details of the lecture.
• Building on this, you can make specific notes of the points in class where you catch yourself disengaging. Maybe there's a pattern that you can pick up on.
• Exercise. Some people have trouble concentrating when they have pent up physical energy and no way to release it.
• If the body can't wander, the mind does. If you fall into this group, you could also try sitting near the back and if you have the need to wander - just get up and stretch your legs while still listening. Sometimes a one minute stretch can make a world of difference.
• Pay attention to what you're eating. A lot of "foods of convenience" can also make you lethargic. Figure out what you need to eat to keep you healthy, alert and focused.
• Engage. Ask questions. Of course your mind is going to wander if someone is just talking at you. But if you ask questions and engage in dialogue you'll be playing a more active role in the process. To help with this, come to every class with a few questions already prepared.
• Daydreaming isn't always a bad thing either.

 

[Mr.Husky]

The following lecture may help you ( It helped me a lot).

 

[Mondayman]

While my ex was in law school, it seemed the successful students there became masters at knowing what they needed to study and how to study it, rather than just putting in a large amount of time.

 

[osilmag]

Supplements and energy drinks.

 

[andresB]

Also, when I start doing physics problem, I do them for an about hour, do a break, then another hour, and then simply say: That's it, enough for today.

Two daily hours of problem solving seems like a good amount of time to me.

 

[symbolipoint]

good sleep, good nutrition, and excellent coffee; just be careful with the coffee.