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| Source: sxc.hu |
It seems like when you need to pay attention the most is the
times when your mind wants to wander.
Suddenly, noises from the hallway demand your utmost attention. The stain on your classmate’s shirt makes you
curious and you can’t stop looking at it.
And you suddenly can’t stop thinking about what you should make for
dinner that night. It’s hard to keep
focused in class sometimes. But there are a few tricks you can play on your
brain to keep your attention where it needs to be – in the classroom.
#1 Actively Participate in Class Lectures
No, this doesn’t necessarily mean talking. Sometimes if there is a discussion this is
appropriate but for the majority of the lectures at college you’ll be expected
to sit quietly and listen. So how can
you be more active? Start by taking
notes. Don’t try to write everything down.
Just listen for the important parts.
You’ll notice that your instructor might do things like pause, gesture,
or be more active when he/she is speaking about something you really need to
pay attention to. Instructors might use
verbal cues, too, like raising their voice, slowing down, or using other forms
of emphasis. These are the points you
need to watch for and you can write them down in your notes for later
reference.
#2 Arrive Early and Find a Seat at the Front of the Room
It’s much easier to daydream when you’re sitting in the back
of the room, slouched in your seat. Your
instructor likely won’t notice. You
might even be able to catch a few zzz’s. But think of what you’re missing. Remember, you paid good money to be in this
class to learn, not to nap. If you sit
near the front, the instructor will be more likely to make eye contact with you
and that will make the lecture seem more personal. And you’ll be much more likely to pay
attention!
#3 Participate
Note taking has been mentioned already but there are other
ways to participate. Usually, after the
lecture or during the lecture, the instructor will give students the chance to
ask questions. Sometimes you’ll have the
opportunity to answer them for other students.
Take advantage of these times because they will help you clarify when
you have questions and it will help reinforce what you have already
learned. When you make a goal of participating
during these times you’ll be more likely to pay attention during the rest of
the lecture.
Some instructors even award bonus points for class
participation. If this is the case in
your classroom, you can give your grade a little boost simply because you paid
attention!
