Concentrating and Getting Organised – Tips for Students

Deborah Jepsen | October 7th, 2008

It is important to be organised

Being organised and concentrating during class time are essential elements for academic success at school and at university.

Just hearing what your teachers say is not the same as listening to what they say. Listening is a cognitive act that requires you to pay attention, think and mentally process what you hear.
Make an effort to concentrate during every class.
Be attentive and concentrate on what the teacher is saying.
Try to make links between what you are learning and what you already know.
Sit near the front or middle of the class room.
Identify what the teacher hopes to teach you during the lesson.
Make an effort to sit away from friends who distract you during class.
Participate in class – ask at least one question per class.
Write notes – jot down a few points about what the teacher is saying.
Wear an elastic band around wrist and flick it to remind you to concentrate!
Use Diary – after each lesson write down homework (if nothing is set write this down).

Look at diary and check what home work needs to be done.
Write a “To Do List” and work through the list, crossing off each task as it is completed.
Prioritise homework and complete what needs to be done for the following day first.
Break home work and assignments into small manageable chunks.
Think about each lesson during the day and write a brief summary of each class.
Pack bag with books and gear for the following day.
Reward yourself after homework is completed.
If you have no homework for that night – sit at your desk and complete a puzzle or reading task.
Make sure you get enough sleep.

Ensure you have a folder for every subject.
You may like to colour code your subjects!
When you have a worksheet or handout, ensure it is filed into the subject folder.

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