Concentration on reading process
Reading does require concentration. If you find that you are distracted then
the ability to concentrate on the text at hand will suffer.
Remember, you're reading with a purpose, so focus on the purpose and the material.
If you lose interest or keep losing the place, take a break or read something else.
You can keep track of where you are by following along with the hand. This simple
technique helps you focus and increase concentration skills.
Anything else about concentration?
Stop after each chapter or at the end of an article and "verbalize" aloud the
two or three key points of what they want to
recall later from the author's ideas.
That's right, suggest they recite aloud in a whisper that they alone can hear, the
essential points they learned. And to add another level of long-term memory, have
them grab a pen and write the same points on a page.
What happens is that we have involved all three of our major senses in learning
- visual - auditory - kinesthetic (touch), and this triple-play reinforce each other
for permanent information-processing storage.
Use self monitor
After three or four paragraphs stop and ask yourself whether or not you understand
the text. You might need to reread the text in order to:
- mark the words/terms you didn�t understand,
- find some key words,
- find main/specific points
- and isolate supporting evidence
Never study one subject for more than 3 hours
Obviously during the exam you'll have to do the best you can so get plenty of
rest beforehand. So get to bed at normal reasonable bedtime and get the sleep. Have
a good breakfast keep the coffee to a minimum, a little coffee can help but remember
it dehydrates and you will need to replace the water and really it aren't no fun
sitting through an exam busting for a leak.
Stay away from sugared drinks opt for plain water if you can. The energy rush
can leave you depleted at a bad time so give up soft drinks for a few days prior
to the exams already and eat foods that give you a sustained energy level.
Developing the ability to concentrate on
reading
Academic reading can be very demanding. The concepts are often difficult to understand,
and the writing style is usually formal. Initially you might find that you need
frequent breaks. It is more productive to take a short break and return to reading
process, than to spend hours staring at a text hoping that eventually physical contact
will transfer the words to the brain.
Always give yourself a reason to read, and ask yourself, �Why am I reading this
text?�.
A 101% improvement is common, and most will find that they focus all their attention
on a page without any intentional effort because it has become a habit. Concentration
and not a "monkey-mind" becomes the norm whenever you sit down to study.
Psychology of speed reading
|