HOW TO FOCUS
Practice recall, also known as retrieval practice, is a highly effective learning strategy that involves actively retrieving information from memory. It’s been shown to significantly improve long-term memory and understanding. Here are some evidence-based revision strategies based on the principle of practice recall:
ENGAGE IN LESSONS
Actively engage in the lesson by asking questions, participating in discussions, and taking notes. Active participation not only reinforces your understanding but also keeps your mind focused on the topic at hand.
DON’T GET SIDETRACKED
Take away distractions: close down other tabs on your laptop, or apps that might tempt you with their content, and make sure your notifications are switched off if your phone is nearby (ideally you won’t work with a phone near you). If you are being distracted by others, move to a quieter space (or politely ask them to be quiet).
TAKE A BREAK
If you find your concentration waning during a lesson, ask politely whether you can take a short break to stretch, breathe, and refocus. Even a minute or two can make a difference. Make sure you move about between lessons and during your free time in school. Increasing your blood flow can improve concentration.
ORGANISE YOUR MATERIALS
Keep your class materials, textbooks, and notebooks organised. If you are a laptop user, create folders for different subjects and file work away carefully. Being able to quickly locate what you need can reduce distractions and help you stay on track.
MONITOR YOUR WELLBEING
If you are finding it hard to cope with anxiety or stress, talk to your teacher, form tutor or Head of Year. If applicable, you may need extra help from Learning Support or a counsellor. Mental health issues can have a significant impact on concentration.
SET YOURSELF GOALS
Define specific, achievable goals for your study sessions and set yourself deadlines. Knowing what you want to accomplish and when, can provide motivation and focus. Divide your study tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This makes them less overwhelming and easier to tackle.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
Develop a structured study timetable that allocates dedicated time for each subject or topic. Consistency in your routine can help reduce the temptation to procrastinate. Explore time management methods like the Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break).
MINIMISE DISTRACTIONS
Identify common distractions in your study environment and take steps to minimise them. This may involve turning off your phone, using website blockers, or finding a quiet place to study. Make sure you have all the right equipment you need to complete the assignment.
BE POSITIVE
Try visualising the positive long-term outcomes of your study efforts. This can help motivate you to get started and stay on track. Be proactive in asking your teachers for help when you are stuck and reward yourself with incentives when you have successfully completed a stage of the task.
BE MOTIVATED BY OTHERS
Study with a friend or find a classmate who can help keep you on track and encourage you to stay committed to your study schedule. Talk to them about what you want to achieve and ask them to help with reminders, prompts and encouragement.
Starting a piece of homework can often be the hardest part and some people have a tendency to procrastinate and waste time. It is important to get going on homework as soon as you can after it is set, to avoid having a backlog of work, which can be stressful and difficult to clear.
Research suggests that concentration is crucial for effective learning, improved memory, and efficient time management. It enables you to absorb and retain information, make the most of your study time, and perform better in exams and assignments. Developing good concentration habits can have a lasting positive impact on your academic and professional success.
SLEEP
Ensure you get enough sleep each night. Lack of sleep can significantly impair your ability to focus and process information during lessons. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to feel alert and attentive in class.
DIET
Maintain a nutritious diet that includes brain-boosting foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive sugary snacks or heavy meals before class, as they can lead to energy crashes and distractibility.
HYDRATION
Dehydration can affect cognitive function and concentration. Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your brain functioning optimally. Bring a water bottle to school to remind yourself to stay hydrated.
FITNESS
Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine to boost energy and concentration and to enhance well-being.
MINDFULNESS
Use apps to practise mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help calm your mind and stay present during lessons. These techniques can improve your ability to concentrate and can reduce anxiety.
MUSIC
Some people find that listening to music can help their concentration when working. Research shows that this can be the case, but that music with lyrics and loud music are best avoided, as these can be more distracting and slow you down.