How to Focus More in Class

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Slacking off during class isn't only a bad habit, but it's also very detrimental to your grade! Read-on below, for a few helpful tips, to help you focus more in class.

Steps

1. Get a good night's sleep. Students are required to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. However, it's hard to maintain those good sleep habits. Set a bedtime routine, and go to bed at the same hour each night. Your mind will not be able to concentrate if it's not rested...it needs a break!
   
2. Eat a healthy breakfast. Although this may seem irrelevant to focusing during class, eating a nutritious meal in the morning gives you fresh energy for the day. Remember: a healthy breakfast does not just mean a big breakfast. Two simple slices of toast, fresh orange juice (with pulp, if possible) and a nice serving of hard boiled egg is an example of a good breakfast. If you consume a meal such as this, you'll feel more energized and less groggy throughout the day- paying attention will be efficiently easier.
   
3. Avoid sitting with friends. Although the urge to sit with your buddies may be awfully appealing, try your best to avoid the temptation. Chatting with friends is not going to give you the focus you need to stay on top of the class. This cannot only get you trouble, but lower your concentration rate for the class altogether. If you feel the urge to speak with a fellow classmate, yet are seated in an assigned location, talk to your teacher about getting your seat moved. However, let the friend know (outside of class!) that this is not meant to insult them- you just need to focus.
   
4. Rid yourself of any other distractions. Some of us get distracted very easily- and that's perfectly OK. The problem evolves when distractions keep us from learning. Is that water bottle catching all your attention? Imediately remove it from your desk. How about that gum you're chewing? Throw it out and start taking notes. Eliminate these distractions (even if you don't want to) and you'll soon find your attention immediately going to the teacher each class.
   
5. Look at the teacher, and make eye contact. Your teacher is not just standing up there babbling- they're obviously trying to give you an acceptable education. Show them that they have your full attention, by looking them in the eye, and observing their movements. Try your best to look alert. If you feel your eyes averting to something else in the room, catch yourself and focus back on your teacher. This person should have your full attention at all times during class. Your eyes should not be drifting elsewhere.
   
6. Know your objective. Most teachers tell you the subject of the class, in the begining. If possible, write down this objective the minute you hear it. What is it that needs to be done today? What will you be learning about? How can you remain alert and focused during this time? Set goals for yourself, and remind yourself of the objective throughout class. This way, you know exactly what you have to do.
   
7. Take notes. By taking accurate notes, you'll be able to "get into" the lesson. Recgonize key points as your teacher speaks, and listen for key phrases such as, "This is important," "This is the main idea," "This will be on the test," etc. This can help you listen more intently; you'll have something to do and focus on.
   
8. Get involved in class discussions. This is a wonderful way to become a more focused, successful student. When a teacher asks a question, offer to answer it. If she/he asks for an opinion, share your own. This shows that the teacher that you're listening intently during the class, and that you know your stuff. This can also help you avoid those embarressing moments, when you get called on and you happen to not be paying attention.
   
9. Ask a question. If you don't understand something, NEVER be afraid to ask. This really shows your teacher that you want to be better, and can recgonize the things you're having difficulty with. Chances are, someone else in the class has the same question (and was too afraid to ask!). They'll be relieved- and so will you.
   
10. Do your best. When you walk into that classroom, put a smile on your face and some confidence in your pocket. Be the best that you can be at all times, and show your true potential!
    

Tips

• Get a notebook to record all your notes. That way, you can keep them organized and readable for the next class.
  
• Be prepared for tests, projects, and class in general! This will help you feel more confident.
  
• If you feel like falling asleep, ask to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom and splash your face with cold water a couple of times. This will keep you awake for the next fifteen minutes. However, don't ask to get up twenty million times a day- or your teacher will assume that you're ditching her class!
  
• When you leave class, review what you've learned. See if you can recall the major points of that days's lesson, and if you understand all of the concepts. This will give you an idea of whether or not you did your job that day.
  

Warnings

• If the teacher starts looking at you weird, that means your doing something wrong.
  
• Avoid your more talkative friends. They can often distract you from your work.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Pay Attention in a Dull Class
  
• How to Improve Your Grades
  
• How to Get Better Grades This Year Than You Did Last Year
  
• How to Avoid Thoughts Hampering Your Daily Activities
  

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