by Lucie Magniant
It’s that time of the semester post-Easter and pre-summer when focusing on lectures can start to feel a bit trickier than usual. There have been many times when opening a tab to Pinterest just seems a bit more entertaining than the powerpoint. No average human being can maintain perfect focus for 2+ hours, but there are definitely methods to extend your attention span. Lucky for you, here are some tips to maintain that focus and help you get a bit more out of your lectures.
Do not disturb
By far one of the most distracting things for me in lectures is my phone. I answer one text notification and just like that I’ve been on my phone for half of the lecture. This is the most basic (and least fun) advice but you may have to stick it on ‘do not disturb’. This comes with the added benefit of avoiding being that one person who gets a call on maximum volume in the middle of the lecture and has everyone snickering at you. If this doesn’t stop you, maybe try the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach. Researchers have found that when objects are physically out of sight you are a lot more likely to forget about them, so try popping your phone in your bag. If you want to bring some fun into this I’d recommend focus apps like Flora which allow you to set a focus timer and kill your virtual tree if you leave the app. You can follow your friends and join virtual study rooms too. The combination of the competition to grow the most trees against your friends as well as the guilt of killing your digital tree is enough to make just about anyone put their phone down.
Know your learning style
Knowing your learning style is possibly one of the most difficult but most rewarding methods to up your lecture and focus game in general.
Finding your learning style can completely change the way you process and store new information.You may be a combination of multiple types, see if you can find out which sounds most like you.
These can be:
- Visual Learners: People who learn best through visual aids like images, diagrams, charts or videos.
Tip: Experiment with writing your notes prior to the lecture if possible so you can focus on watching the slides and lecturer during. See if there is a youtube video on the topic pre-lecture to help you stay engaged and understand the information better.
- Auditory Learners: People who learn best through hearing information.
Tip: Possibly the most advantageous as lectures are mostly listening. Trying to write at the same time may distract from listening, experiment with writing your notes before or after, or even using a transcription software so you can maximise listening time.
- Kinesthetic (Tactile) Learners: People who learn best with hands-on experiences and activities.
Tip: Unfortunately not very easy to accommodate during lecture time, but seeing if there are museums, workshops or laboratory sessions that relate to the topic may help the information stick in your long term memory. If your degree involves fieldwork, that’s where you’ll shine.
- Reading/Writing Learners: People who absorb information the best wen reading or writing it.
Tip: Plenty of lecture notes! Experiment with different google dofc templates or highlighters if you prefer by hand to stay focused on writing during lectures. Pre and post readings are your best friend.
- Social (Interpersonal) Learners: People who work best in group settings and discussions.
Tip: Make the most of those “discuss with the people around you” moments in the lectures. Try to sit with other Social Leaners in the lecture hall.
See if you can set up an informal study group to discuss the topic before or after (or even during the breaks). Bonus points if you can bring in some Auditory Learners.
- Solitary (Intrapersonal) Learners: People who work best independently.
Tip: Sit alone or with less chatty people during lectures, this will make sure you don’t distract each other and can stay in your own zone.
Taking advantage of breaks
If you’re lucky or if you have a long lecture, you might get a 5 to 10 minute break in the middle of it. While it’s tempting to stay put, stretching your legs, getting some fresh air and having a snack can go a long way to help you stay focused for that second half. Having a brain break is essential in making sure the new information has actually sunk in. If you have 2+ long lectures with no break in the middle, see if you can have a conversation with your lectures, the benefits of boosting focus often outweigh the 5 extra minutes (plus they might need a break too!).
Start before the start
The most effective way to stay focused in your lecture is obviously if you really care about the subject. This will not apply to every single lecture you have, but may broaden your horizons a bit. Pre reading and pre learning can expand your realm of understanding beyond what is covered in the lecture and you may end up learning about a topic that relates to both the lecture and your personal interests. Pre reading doesn’t have to be tedious or have to be academic papers, see if you can link the topic to current affairs, history, an activity etc. If dozens of academic articles aren’t gonna work for you, adapt it to your own needs, is there a youtube video on the topic? Do you have a friend in the year above who may have a specific interest in this to talk to about? Get creative and make your learning work for you.