Staying Focused Copyright Houghton Mifflin Company All rights

Concentration: We know it when we see it • The intense expression of a

Concentration: We know it when we see it (cont’d) • A student who is

But what is concentration? • Concentration is focused thinking • Concentration is undivided attention

How do you create the conditions for concentration? • By eliminating distractions • By

Two kinds of distractions • External: Anything that stimulates the senses and disrupts concentration

External distractions • Loud or annoying noises • Bad smells, good smells • Attention-getting

Internal distractions • Worries • Daydreams • Anxiety • Indecision • What else? Copyright

External distractions can be reduced by • Selecting the proper environment • Having the

What is the right environment? • A place dedicated to study • A place

What makes up the right equipment • Sufficient lighting • A comfortable chair •

Internal distractions can be discouraged by using • A concentration score sheet • A

Concentrating doesn’t have to be negative • Yes, you need to stop distractions •

Ways to promote concentration • Make lists. Keep your mind uncluttered by writing things

When challenge and skill level get out of whack • High challenge + Low

Ways to maintain a challenge/skill level balance • Find a tutor • Join a

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Concentration: We know it when we see it • The intense expression of a bowler as she prepares to roll • A quarterback who directs a pass to an open receiver despite onrushing linebackers Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 2

Concentration: We know it when we see it (cont’d) • A student who is reading an assignment so intently that she talks back to the author • A note-taker so absorbed that two full hours seem to tick by in just a few minutes. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3

But what is concentration? • Concentration is focused thinking • Concentration is undivided attention • But concentration is elusive • If you realize you’re concentrating, you’ve stopped concentrating Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 4

Two kinds of distractions • External: Anything that stimulates the senses and disrupts concentration • Internal: Distractions that come from within Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 6

External distractions • Loud or annoying noises • Bad smells, good smells • Attention-getting sights in your field of view • Itches, uncomfortable clothing • What else? Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 7

What is the right environment? • A place dedicated to study • A place free of visual distractions • A place with no noise or distracting music • A place where the computer is not in the way Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 10

What makes up the right equipment • Sufficient lighting • A comfortable chair • A pencil to catalyze concentration • A bookstand • Other supplies standing by Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 11

Ways to promote concentration • Make lists. Keep your mind uncluttered by writing things down • Take breaks: Don’t discourage consolidation or create fatigue. Give yourself regular rests • Maintain a balance: Create equilibrium between an assignment’s challenge and your skill level Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14

When challenge and skill level get out of whack • High challenge + Low skill level = Anxiety • Low challenge + High skill level = Boredom • Low challenge + Low skill level = Apathy Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 15

Ways to maintain a challenge/skill level balance • Find a tutor • Join a study group • Pick out an alternate text • Use programmed materials and workbooks • Set realistic goals Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 16