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SUCCESS SKILLS Strategies for Study and Lifelong Learning 2E by Abby Marks-Beale. CHAPTER 3 Creating Concentration. CHAPTER 3 CREATING CONCENTRATION. “ Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” ---Abigail Adams.
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SUCCESS SKILLS Strategies for Study and Lifelong Learning 2E by Abby Marks-Beale CHAPTER 3 Creating Concentration (C) 2002 South-Western/Thomson Learning
CHAPTER 3 CREATING CONCENTRATION “Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” ---Abigail Adams SUCCESS SKILLS: STRATEGIES FOR STUDY AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Concentration is the art of being focused--the ability to pay attention--a frame of mind that enables you to stay centered on the activity or work you are doing. SUCCESS SKILLS: STRATEGIES FOR STUDY AND LIFELONG LEARNING
YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES • Your location. • Your state of mind. • The external environment. • Distractions. • Type of written material. • How the instruction is delivered. • Purpose and usability of the material. SUCCESS SKILLS 3.1 YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES
MIND WANDERING:The enemy of concentration. • The average college student’s concentration period while reading is only 16 minutes. • Children may have concentration periods that may last for just 20 seconds. ---Becky Patterson, University of Alaska Some research findings: SUCCESS SKILLS 3.1 YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CONCENTRATION • FIRST--CATCH YOURSELF. Be alert and aware of your state of mind, and recognize when you begin to lose your concentration. • THEN--DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. By reducing your mind-wandering behavior you will be able to learn more in less time with better understanding. SUCCESS SKILLS 3.1 YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES
CREATE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT • Choose a workplace that is conducive to concentration. • Manage your clutter. • Ensure good lighting. • Create room temperature comfort. SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
ELIMINATE DISTRACTING INFLUENCES • Feed your body right. • Do not eat and try to study at the same time. • Background music--yes; words--no. • Turn off the television. • Hold the phone calls and e-mail. SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
MAINTAIN YOUR FOCUS • Move to a quieter place to avoid interruptions. • Write down--and avoid thinking about--other things you need to do. • Take short, frequent breaks when you find your concentration slipping away. • Set time goals--put a time frame around your work. SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF • Develop positive self-talk. • Get enough restful sleep. • Eat well. • Exercise. • Learn and take advantage of your peak times of the day. • Take care of your physiological needs. SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
SUCCESS SKILLS: Strategies for Study and Lifelong Learning Chapter 3 Creating Concentration Table of Contents Chapter 4 Presentation (C) 2002 South-Western/Thomson Learning