7 Ways to Stay Focused During a Lecture Class
Classes that involve long-winded lectures can often be difficult to stay focused in. You may find your mind drifting to other places, such as what’s for lunch or what time the maintenance people are supposed to come by your apartment.
If you’re not completely focused during the lecture that day, you could end up losing out on some vital information you’ll need for the class on a later day, a project, or even for a test.
What are the best ways to stay focused during lecture classes? Here are seven methods that might work for you.
1) Take notes
Taking notes during a lecture seems obvious, right? Taking notes while the professor is teaching can help you to focus on each and every subject they’re going to speak on that day. You can change your professor’s words in your notes to make it more understandable to you.
You can also break down their lesson however you need to. This helps you to really focus on what the professor is saying, and if you forget a certain part of the lesson, you’ll always have your notes to go back through.
2) Chew gum
Gum-chewing may improve concentration, according to Scientific American. Packing a few pieces of gum to take with you into class and chew on can help you focus on the lecture and stay concentrating.
3) Eat a good breakfast
A good, fulfilling breakfast can start your day off in a great way. You’ll feel more energetic, more alert, and more aware. Instead of thinking about food in class, you’ll be able to push food-thoughts to the side and focus on the lecture of the day.
4) Be prepared
Another way to stay focused during a lecture is to come to class prepared! Have your notebook packed, your textbook (if necessary), and any other things your professor told you to bring to class. Instead of rustling through your bag to find the papers you need and disrupting the attention of the students around you, you’ll have all your papers ready to go.
5) Participate
Getting involved during lectures is important. If a professor asks a question that you know the answer to, don’t be afraid to raise your hand and let them know. The same goes for if you have any questions. Raise your hand and let your professor know. You’ll be more invested in a lecture that you’re actively participating in.
6) Get enough sleep
If you have an early lecture class on Monday, don’t stay up all night on Sunday. Experts recommend that young adults aged 18-25 get 7-9 hours of sleep every night in order to perform at their best the following day.
7) Put away your cell phone
As tempting as it is to check your Facebook account or text your friend, you should put your phone away during class. You’re in class to learn and go after your dreams. That meme can wait to be posted until after class.