5 Habits for Better Concentration

The ability to concentrate is a highly coveted habit among successful students.
 
Part of developing good study skills is developing good habits.  But we also know that developing good habits takes time and consistency.

​Helping students develop good habits means that we take the time to model and provide guidance along the way, no matter what age level.
 
When your students are struggling to focus and concentrate, there are 5 habits we can use to help them improve their skills.


​# 1 Intend to Study and Learn
Don’t waste your time just going through the motions.  When you go to class, when you sit down to complete assignments, and when you study, do so with intention. Decide that you will learn and do your best.


​#2 Become Interested in the Subject
Most people don’t love every subject. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn about it.  Become the devil’s advocate: ask questions and dare to counter argue with facts. There is always something to learn.


​#3 Know Yourself
Nobody knows how you learn best, except for you. If you are a visual learner, study with graphs, diagrams, and videos. If you are an auditory learner, study with lecture recordings. If you are a kinesthetic learner, study on the go with podcasts.
Build independent learners from the ground up.
If your students are struggling with messy planners & zero focus, they need a system, not a lecture. Grab my 9-Week Curriculum to teach the foundational habits of organization & concentration that stick for a lifetime.


​​#4 Set Clear and Realistic Goals
If you are not used to studying, don’t set a goal of studying 3 every day.  Set a goal that is reasonable. Start with studying for 45 minutes and taking a 15 minute break. Even if you do study for 3 hours, you want to take breaks which will help you process information and help you focus.


​#5 Ditch the Distractions
Complete your work and studying in a distraction free zone. No radio, television, or loud commotions. Anything that will sidetrack you from the task at hand. This includes turning off your cell phone and avoiding the internet on your computer.

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​Final Thoughts...
Many of these habits revolve around mindset and goal setting.  Both of which can be extremely powerful tools in finding success. Goal setting in particular can be a very helpful tool in getting your students to find their focus and purpose for being in class.


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Teaching with Textbooks | Teach Like Midgley

I’m Hillary Midgley, and I help teachers move students from academic struggle to total confidence with a 9-week study skills framework that actually works. New here? Start with the Framework.