IMPROVING YOUR GRADES
CONCENTRATE

Concentrating is an art. It requires dedication to the subject matter, regardless of your interest in the material. There is no question that if you are interested in a subject, concentration comes easily. However, if the subject seems boring to you, it will usually be difficult to concentrate, thus you can be easily distracted.

One method to help concentrate is to "trick" your mind into being interested in an otherwise potentially boring subject. Actually any subject can be made interesting with the right set of stimuli. Some instructors are more skilled at making a topic exciting than others. You, as a student, can make a given topic or subject more fascinating if you put your mind to it. Conversly, if you are determined to make a subject boring no matter what the instructor is doing, then you are doing yourself a disfavor. Give each topic a fair chance. Do your part and as a result you will find it easier to concentrate on the material and that will translate into higher grades.

WHEN IN CLASS:

Here are some guidlines to follow during lectures:

• Don't talk to your friends when the instructor is lecturing OR when one of your fellow students is participating in classroom discussion. Carrying on your own private conversations  is rude, inconsiderate and distracting for everyone else in the class, even if it is on the subject being discussed in class! If you want to socialize, go outside...leave the lecture quietly. The best philosophy is to plan to dedicate your attention, during lecture, on the subject at hand. The instructor is the expert at designing classroom activities, therefore follow the guidlines and procedures as set up by your instructor.

• Pay close attention to everything the instructor is saying.

WHEN AT HOME:

There are some standard rules for increasing your ability to concentrate while at home:

• Avoid the telephone, television and recreational computer games.

• Study in a quiet place such as the library or a quiet room in your home.

• Make sure the members of your family understand your needs for quiet and privacy without interruption. If you have a younger family member that will not cooperate, go to the library and study.

• Set aside time for relaxation and recreation, but limit those times to fit a carefully designed schedule.

• Don't plan to cram all your studies for an exam into one evening. That would be a formula for a mediocre performance or worse.