How to help students improve
their focus on their studies
Teachers strive to create supportive and
challenging classroom environments for
their students. Such settings can bring out
the best in students and help them overcome obstacles,
including an inability to focus.
The struggles students can have with focusing
on their studies was apparent during the
pandemic. A 2020 survey of more than 400 college
students found that 64 percent were concerned
about their ability to maintain their
focus and discipline in remote instructional
environments. Though educators, students and
parents are hopeful that remote learning will
soon be a thing of the past, no one is certain
about what lies ahead in regard to the 2021-22
school year. Ideally, students will be back in
school time full-time five days per week by the
start of the new academic year. However, there’s
no guarantee that will be the case, and students
may need help focusing on their studies.
Emphasize one activity at a time.
Various studies have shown that multitasking
adversely affects performance and makes
it hard to concentrate. A recent study from researchers
at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology found that performing two or three
activities simultaneously puts significantly
more demand on the brain than simply doing
those tasks one after another. All students, and
especially those who are struggling with focus,
should be encouraged to take on one task at a
time.
Take breaks.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that various
studies have found that periodic breaks improve
mood, boost performance and increase
a person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Many students are well acquainted with
lengthy cramming sessions on the eve of a big
exam, which can feel like a rite of passage for
high schoolers and college students. Parents
and educators can emphasize the importance of
taking breaks during such sessions and how periodic
rest can help improve performance.
Take a piecemeal approach to big tasks.
The Child Mind Institute notes that breaking
big tasks down into smaller, more manageable
pieces can help kids effectively tackle more
challenging tasks. The piecemeal approach can
make big tasks seem less daunting, and the success
kids have at each smaller task can provide
some needed momentum as they draw closer to
solving the problem.
The struggles students can have with focusing on their
studies was apparent during the pandemic. Pexels
Many students struggle to focus on their
studies. Some simple strategies can help students
overcome such challenges and fulfill
their academic potential.
— Metro Creative Connection
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