I don’t know about you, but I feel like it has been even harder for me to focus in class this semester. Maybe it’s the beautiful weather or my insanely busy schedule, but as finals get closer and closer.
Whatever the case, I have had to get creative with how to stay focused in class. Here’s what I have come up with:
1. Try to sit near the front- Lets face it, if you’re sitting in the very back you probably can’t see or hear anything much less pay attention. While it may be the best place to sit and chat with friends or check your phone, the back of the class is not the best spot for paying attention or to listen to the teacher and actually absorb what they are saying. The front of the classroom or lecture hall is always the best place to sit if you need to stay focused.
2.
Give your friend your phone- Y’all. I
spend so much time on my phone in
some classes. And for what? To keep updated on instagram or get the two texts
that might pop up in that hour? I started giving my phone to a friend at the
beginning of classes that I know I need to pay attention in. It has completely changed my ability to focus in class.
Without my phone on me, I don’t even have the temptation to look at it and I
actually understand what’s going on in class (which is new for a few of my
classes).
3. Try not to take notes with your computer- I know, I know. It’s the 21st century and computers have incredible note taking apps and can be very helpful. However for me, I am much more likely to get distracted and go on [insert your favorite form of social media here] when I'm “taking notes’ on my computer.
4.
Use a fun
note taking strategy- I use the term “fun” lightly. Notes are not fun to
take, but, if you use several different colored highlighters and pens, it is
almost bearable. As long as it makes sense to you you can use different pens, spacing,
and bulleting to make the notes flow and helpful for studying later.
5.
Set goals
for yourself- Tell yourself if you don’t use your phone or get distracted
for 20-30 minutes (or the whole class, you do you), then you will get yourself a
piece or candy, or Starbucks or dang, a nap! #TREATYOSELF. You can do this by yourself or make it a
competition with friends of who can stay focused the longest.
6.
Doodle- Instead of being on your phone or talking to friends, doodle whatever pops into
your mind. That way you are still half listening and sub consciously absorb
whatever the teacher is saying. Half-listening is better than not listening at
all, right?
7.
Chew Gum-
This might just be me but for whatever reason when I chew gum in class I am
much more focused. Get yourself a pack of gum before class and see if it helps
you! However, if you smack your gum in class you will be distracting everyone
else in class and be incredibly obnoxious. Don’t do that. Seriously.
Hopefully you didn’t read this in class. If so, listen to the teacher now. Good luck!
Photo courtesy of 123rf.com/profile_andresr.
