Do you need to get ready for an important exam? Or maybe you want to master a foreign language before your holiday trip? You need to be consistent and stay focused. However, sometimes it’s hard to keep your mind on the subject. This is why you should check the tips below that can help you to find a way to learn more effectively without losing concentration.
Create a good learning environment
To avoid distraction, prepare a learning space where you won’t be bothered by anything and anyone. Your learning nook should be well-lit and organized. Before you start learning, prepare all the materials you need, including handbooks, notebooks, pens, and so on.
If you don’t have the possibility to create a calm place for learning, consider going to a local library or even a small and cozy cafe. Take earplugs with you, or if you like listening to music, earphones.
Remove distractions
The majority of people don’t know how to stay properly focused while studying. Bill from cursums.com says that by removing distractions from your environment, you can quickly increase your focus. There are various distractions that can throw you off while you study. It’s important to identify them and eliminate them.
Put your phone on silent or plane mode, or even leave it in another room to not feel tempted by it. If you can’t resist constantly checking your social media or other apps, block them for a particular amount of time, or set the time per day that you can enjoy them.
Remember that distractions might not seem obvious at first. Perhaps you have an annoying old wall clock that, from time to time, draws your attention away. Take it into another room. Or maybe you constantly go get a glass of water. You can invest in a water bottle.
Use active learning techniques
Try to make your learning as active as possible. Instead of just skimming through notes or reading materials, try to summarize the information you just learned using your own words. You can do it out loud or by writing it down. If you have a friend who can help you with studying, ask for help. They can ask you questions and verify your answers.
Try the Pomodoro method
Pomodoro is a time management technique that makes you work or study in shorter intervals with breaks in between. Usually, the interval of work lasts 25 minutes, followed by a five-minute break, but you can check what is best for you. Some people prefer, for example, 50+10 minutes Pomodoro.
With time, your attention span and focus decrease. By taking short breaks, you give your body and mind a moment to relax. Regular rest promotes better time allocation and higher focus and can help you to deal with hard tasks. You can use it everyday if you have problems with concentration, or just from time to time when you need extra focus for unusually hard tasks.
Takeaway
Everyone is different. Some learning strategies can work for others but might not have the desired results for you. Explore your ways and try to find the best concentration methods for yourself.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
