Focus More in Class

Slacking off during class isn't only a bad habit, but it's also very detrimental to your grade! Focusing in class really proves to teachers that you are a capable student but it also shows that you have got a solid level of maturity and self control, which will be very important in your future life. Read on to find out more about "How to Focus More in Class"

Steps

Before class

  1. Get a good night's sleep. Students should get at least nine hours of sleep each night. However, it's hard to maintain those good sleep habits. Set a bedtime routine, and go to bed at the same hour each night. Your mind will not be able to concentrate if it's not rested...it needs a break!
  2. Have a Good, Nutritious Breakfast. Although this may seem irrelevant to focusing during class, eating a nutritious meal in the morning gives you fresh energy for the day. Remember: a healthy breakfast does not just mean a big breakfast. Two simple slices of toast, fresh orange juice (with pulp, if possible) and a nice serving of hard boiled egg(s) is an example of a good breakfast. If you consume a meal such as this, you'll feel more energized and less groggy throughout the day- paying attention will be efficiently easier.

Removing distractions

  1. Sit at the front of the class. This helps you focus because it's easier to look ahead than back.
  2. Avoid sitting with friends. Although the urge to sit with your buddies may be awfully appealing, try your best to avoid the temptation. Chatting with friends is not going to give you the focus you need to stay on top of the class. This will not only get you trouble, but lower your concentration rate for the class altogether. If you feel the urge to speak with a fellow classmate, yet are seated in an assigned location, talk to your teacher about getting your seat moved (some will just say that you should control yourself). However, let the friend know (outside of class!) that this is not meant to insult them; you just need to focus.
    • If you do sit with friends, they might help wake you up if you find yourself looking somewhere else but don't let them distract you! If they talk, reply quickly to what they're saying and then remember to look back at the teacher and continue with your notes. Keep your ears open for things like "this is important" or "listen up" or phrases that might indicate that you need to know something.
  3. Rid yourself of any other distractions. Some of us get distracted very easily- and that's perfectly OK. The problem evolves when distractions keep us from learning. Is that water bottle catching all your attention? Immediately remove it from your desk. How about that gum you're chewing? Throw it out and start taking notes. Eliminate these distractions (even if you don't want to) and you'll soon find your attention immediately going to the teacher each class.

During class

  1. Look at the teacher, and make eye contact. Your teacher is not just standing up there babbling- they're obviously trying to give you an acceptable education. Show them that they have your full attention, by looking them in the eye, and observing their movements. Try your best to look alert. If you feel your eyes averting to something else in the room, catch yourself and focus back on your teacher. This person should have your full attention at all times during class. Your eyes should not be drifting elsewhere.
  2. Know your objective. Most teachers tell you the subject of the class, in the beginning. If possible, write down this objective the minute you hear it. What is it that needs to be done today? What will you be learning about? How can you remain alert and focused during this time? Set goals for yourself, and remind yourself of the objective throughout class. This way, you know exactly what you have to do.
  3. Take notes. By taking accurate notes, you'll be able to "get into" the lesson. Recognize key points as your teacher speaks, and listen for key phrases such as, "This is important," "This is the main idea," "This will be on the test," etc. This can help you listen more intently; you'll have something to do and focus on.
    • Objectives: If your teacher normally writes down the lesson's objective at the beginning of the class, keep it in your head and make sure you've achieved it by the end of the lesson.
    • Don't try to finish your old notes or homework in class. Do that later when you have free time or else you might miss key points.
  4. Get involved in class discussions. This is a wonderful way to become a more focused, successful student. When a teacher asks a question, offer to answer it. If she/he asks for an opinion, share your own. This shows that the teacher that you're listening intently during the class and that you know your stuff. This can also help you avoid those embarrassing moments, when you get called on and you happen to not be paying attention. Also, teachers will note to college officers that you are actively contributing in class.
  5. Ask a question. If you don't understand something, never be afraid to ask. This really shows your teacher that you want to be better, and can recognize the things you're having difficulty with. Chances are, someone else in the class has the same question (and was too afraid to ask!). They'll be relieved- and so will you. 
  6. Do your best. When you walk into that classroom, put a smile on your face and some confidence in your pocket. Be the best that you can be at all times, and show your true potential!

Staying focused

  1. Listen to music during your break. It is very refreshing and it can clear your mind between subjects, which could improve your productivity. But don't get too carried away with the music.
  2. Visualize your future. Before you go to bed at night, be sure to use your childhood gift of imagination and think about where you see yourself in the future, and about how likely you will be able to achieve that dream without having sufficient focusing skills, if your dream isn't academic based like sports and music etc. You still need good focus skills to be a football player so don’t put it off your list! Don't get distracted at school. Be a smart person and do the right things.

Tips

  • Sit up straight and do not look at the clock waiting for class to finish.
  • Remember that homework is important, too. When you come home from school, take an hour to eat and to rest. Then you should start on your homework right after and study for the classes you have problems in. Of course, you could also start your homework immediately and take a break later.
  • Be prepared for tests, projects, and class in general! This will help you feel more confident while taking the test, doing the project, etc.
  • Always clear your mind after each session and be fresh and ready for the next.
  • When you leave class, review what you've learned. See if you can recall the major points of today's lessons, and if you understand all of the concepts. This will give you an idea of whether or not you did your job that day.
  • If you feel like falling asleep, ask to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom and splash your face with cold water a couple of times. This will keep you awake for the next fifteen minutes or so. However, don't ask to get up twenty million times a day or your teacher will assume that you're ditching his/her class!
  • Get a notebook to record all your notes. That way, you can keep them organized and readable for the next class.
  • Don't keep looking at the clock, it'll always make the class feel slower.
  • Never have any electronics in class - if you have electronics like a cellphone or a MP3 player, you'll be distracted and lose focus by the amazing songs that you're listening to. You will also have a very good chance of having your electronics taken away.
  • Try not to sit with friends because you'll get distracted (If your friends are immature and always talk in class). If you are placed by your friends let them know you're trying to pay attention if they want to start a conversation.
  • Remember, in the end you are responsible for your results and not your parents or friends. So instead of having worries or regrets later, get working.
  • If you lose focus while taking a test, relax and just read the page. If this doesn't help you regain focus, ask the teacher for help or suggestions to get you back on track.
  • If none of these are working, you could possibly have ADD. Contact your local physician and see if they can help you. Another possibility might be that you just need a little help getting the ball rolling. Try talking to your teacher about moving your seat up, or go to your guidance counselor.
  • If you do bring an electronic, do remember that you can ALWAYS use #x to make sure they understand that you need to stay focused. No more need to check your phone for texts from that person.
  • I the person next to you is talking during class don't be afraid to tell them to be quite. Try to get rid of distractions, and having a clear desk helps.
  • Avoid looking out the door when people are passing, otherwise it will become a habit.
  • Read a book or study for a test when you're done all of your work and have no more unfinished things to do in class.
  • Just know that eventually class will be over, so make the most of it!
  • Don't eat anything during classes. get good sleep the night before, and never look at your friends during class, they may be doing something distracting.
  • Do not think about any problems you have or all the things you need to do later that day, instead try to focus back to the lesson in class.
  • Make sure your well equipped for the lesson. Having all the equipment needed will help you grasp more of what you are engaged in. You won't be wasting time asking for paper or other things. You will want to take more neater notes when you look back to study and can't make out what you're previously written.
  • Don't be so hard on yourself loosen your mind, and relax. Focus on what your teacher is saying and not your friends.
  • After you have finished a certain topic at school, when you get home, quiz yourself or print out/get someone to make you some worksheets to make sure you know what you're doing.
  • Keep mobiles away or in totally silent mode not in a vibrate mode.
  • Use different colours when writing. It makes you concentrate more.
  • Don't chat with your friends or you will get distracted and miss important information.
  • After you get informed that you are having a test or quiz, write down the dates on colorful paper and put it in your room so you always see it and it will remind you that you need to study.
  • When school problems seem overwhelming, it may be tempting to skip class occasionally. This is actually counterproductive because you're going to miss important information and thus become even more insecure. Talk to your teacher(s) or the school counsellor to find a solution, alternative teaching methods could help other students, too (e.g. more group projects, learning games, creating mind maps together...).
  • Have a small notepad or a piece of paper so that you can write the important points about the lesson your teacher is telling, or take down other important things, such as homework that is due tomorrow.
  • Depending on your mindset, try not to 'group' when there is group work. Unless your lecturer explicitly states that you must work with someone, always ask to work alone.
  • Pop quizzes and extra work loads such as projects are great ways to get more marks and contribute to your terms average alot. Learn to focus and don't listen to the people who will call you a geek or nerd cause you know where you are going in the future.
  • If you are scared to ask a question, you can always ask the teacher about homework or what you didn't understand throughout the lesson at the end of class when everyone has gone. If the class isn't completely empty don't be afraid to ask with someone else there, they might be waiting to ask a question too!
  • Make sure that if you chew gum in a class to help you focus, don't chew it obnoxiously or you might be asked to spit it out.

Warnings

  • Avoid your more talkative friends. They can often distract you from your work.
  • If the teacher makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to your parents, the dean or principal. Understand that some teachers you will not "get along with" but they should not make you feel uncomfortable.
  • Don't stare at the teacher for too long; this might not let you work properly. In short, look at the teacher, but don't overdo it.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen and/or pencil
  • Good night sleep
  • Mind
  • Dedication
  • Comfortable Seat

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