I am a grade 10 student who always finds writing examinations very difficult. As a result of the stress of writing exams, I develop a lump in the stomach. I find it hard to begin studying, and for this reason, I find myself with little study time. My grades are not impressive at all. I have taken medical tests that have shown that I am medically fit. I have a passion for studying law in the future, but if my current grades are anything to go by, my dream of taking law will not come to fruition.
For whatever you do, keep on to your dreams. In any case, they are valid. However, some people excel in life early, while others blossom later in life. For instance, the Queen of Andes is a small plant; however, once it blooms, then it grows 30 feet high. Such a student needs to change a few things so that he or she can bloom. The majority of the students find it hard to study because they lack concentration. Once a student begins to study, it is essential that they stay focused and do not allow thoughts to wonder.
Wandering thoughts when studying
There are many reasons why our thoughts wander when studying:
- Events and things that distract our attention and make us lose focus. Get rid of loud music, phone rings, movements, and voices.
- Lack of practice for the area of training. Concentration is a critical skill that requires one not only to learn but also practice.
- Lack of interest and motivation for the subject matter. Some students do not like some subjects, since they think they are not good at it, hence seeing no need to study it.
Effective concentration
To be effective in concentration, consider doing the following
- Break down your work into smaller chunks, and avoid memorizing everything at once
- Research shows that we achieve a lot when we divide our time into equal parts. During your study, periods remember to relax for at least 10 minutes before resuming.
- Make a habit of testing your knowledge on what you have already learned to know if you understood the concepts. Once you know that you understand everything to that point, you can proceed with your studying.
Enhancing your concentration
To boost your concentration, do the following:
- Locate a pleasant and comfortable place for your studies. A serene location that is devoid of distractions that can affect your attention
- In your study room, ensure that you have the flow of fresh air and adequate lighting.
- While you study to make sure that you eliminate all the noise, especially music
- Make sure that you develop a positive and active interest in what you are studying.
- Set your study goals and ensure you achieve them
- Make sure you make use of all your senses. Write down what you intend to learn and, if possible, draw cartoons, pictures, and diagrams of what you want to study.
Guidelines for sending questions
Before you send your question to the author, make sure you include all the details, such as the child’s grade and age and even the particular problem that you have noted that concerns you the most. Sign the letter with a given name only or a nickname if you prefer this option. Your identity will not be disclosed, and the author promises to keep your details a secret when published.
More about the author
The author is an education expert in dyslexia and learning problems with a B.A. in Psychology with B.D. Degree from the University of Pretoria. In the formative stages of her career, the author was instrumental in training 3000 tutors and teachers. The author offered the teachers and tutors practical and foundational understanding to enable cognitive development in children who have challenges in writing and reading. The author has 25 years of research.