ABMP Student Success Curriculum

Topic 9: Concentration

2. Goals of This Lecture

• Identify your current ability to concentrate.

• Learn how to avoid distractions.

• Improve concentration skills.

3. Worksheet 9-1 pg. 103

Complete the Concentration Evaluation (worksheet 9-1 on page 103) and discuss

findings.

4. Levels of Concentration

• Light – First 5 minutes – Easily distracted

• Moderate– 10 minutes – Less likely to be distracted

• Deep– After 10 minutes – May remain deeply engrossed for 40 minutes

5. Productive vs. Unproductive Study

Session

6. Focus at Will

• The ability to focus at will is a skill everyone can learn. Try:– Verbal prompt

– Physical prompt

– Combined prompt

7. Sustain Concentration

• Ability to concentrate for 40 minutes at a time.

• Obstacles – Lack of interest

– Lack of motivation

– Internal distractions

– External distractions

– Time of day

8. Dealing with Lack of Interest

• Why? – Teaching style versus learning style

– Issues in personal life

• What to Do? – Explore your disinterest.

– Discuss with instructor or school counselor.

– Find out why others are interested.

9. Dealing with Lack of Motivation

• Why? – Feeling overwhelmed

– No sense of accomplishment

• What to Do? – Explore why you are unmotivated.

– Set short, medium, and long-term goals.

10. Dealing with Internal & External

Distractions • Internal Distractions – Tired

– Hungry

– Cold

– Worried

• External Distractions – Noise – TV– Music – Phone calls – An uncomfortable study area

– Interruption from friends and family

11. Concentration & Time of Day

• Each person has a time of day when he or she concentrates best. – When are you most alert?

– Plan study times for this period of time whenever possible.

12. Focus on One Thing at a Time

• Make a list of study goals. – Finish the first item on the list without stopping.

– Move on to the next item on the list.

– Don’t jump around; you get less done.

13. Distraction Log

• Review the distraction log on page 107.

• Try keeping a distraction log to identify the distracters that keep you from concentrating fully.

14. Concentration Processing

• Having taken part in this lecture, what is your current attitude to your concentration level?

• What will you do to improve your level of concentration?

ABMP Student Success Curriculum

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