Concentration means much more than just attending. To concentrate means to pay attention by focusing on what you are doing.

First you must recognize factors that cause you to lose concentration. These can be internal, such as hunger, tiredness, excessive worrying, and negative feelings or emotions. They can also be external, such as noise, lighting, temperature, and interruptions.

Becoming aware of your learning styles and how you process information can also help you choose strategies to achieve maximum concentration, memory and learning.

Once you recognize these things, you can use self-regulation strategies to reduce or eliminate distractions and enhance your ability to concentrate to the greatest extent possible.

It is within your control to change your study environment and habits in order to create optimal conditions for yourself. For example, you are in charge of when and where you study. You can also try breaking long assignments into smaller, more manageable parts, turn the cell phone off, or adjust your work hours. Experiment and develop a study routine that works for you.

For more ideas, check out Improving Your Concentration at Kansas State University. You can also find more resources in Study Skills Websites or enroll in a College Success or Study Strategies course.

Academic Success Strategies Successful Students -Characteristics of a Successful Student Learning Styles Study Skills Assessment Study Skills & Strategies -Active Learning -Concentration -Decision Making -Memory -Motivation -Relaxation -Test Anxiety -Test Strategies -Time Management Study Skills Websites