Help Student Focus Better for Exams: 4 Easy Steps

When exams are near, students need to concentrate more and study for a longer period of time. Parents are usually concerned about how to enhance their concentration level and sitting capacity. There are a few important points to keep in mind as reminders which will help them to increase their ability to concentrate and prepare better for and during exams.

What is Concentration?

Concentration is the ability to give undivided attention to something by minimizing external and internal distractions. Students are generally concerned about their ability to concentrate to work more efficiently.

There are some techniques which can be utilized to reduce the distractions and increase concentration.

Taking care of Body
The Schedule
The Environment
The Mind Set

1.TAKING CARE OF BODY

The ability to concentrate depends a lot upon our physical well-being. Healthy mind lies in a healthy body. To keep body healthy primary is to nourish it well. It is essential to develop a controlled and balanced diet for the child.

Nourishment

During the exam times, children spend longer times for study. Their metabolism rate increases. They need more nutrition and at regular intervals.

Milk with added supplements (dry fruits), fresh fruits, nuts, a snack of choice can be fillers between the regular meals.
CAUTION: Overeating creates a huge load of digestion

Case: MJ was having troubles focusing on his studies. Every now and then he would get up for food. He was not able to focus on his studies. Thinking that it is because of his lack of nutrition, his mother started giving him more and heavier diet. However, overeating made him feel more uncomfortable and sleepy.

It is important to eat at regular intervals. But also keep in mind that eating light and healthy meals can help you maximize your ability to concentrate.

Eat something that suits your body!

Exercise

Physical Exercise has unlimited benefits to the body and mind. It is important for students to be involved in at least one sport or physical activity. As exams approach, they may reduce the time devoted to sports or such activity, but not stop it fully. Even during exams, they must spare some time for their physical exercise. It should be part of daily routine.

Exercise boosts energy.

Exercise reduces stress

Exercise increase relaxation.

Research shows that exercise stimulates brain regions that are involved in memory function to release a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF rewires memory circuits so they work better. Regular physical exercise can improve overall brain performance not only by sharpening memory but also by enhancing the ability to learn new things.

Exercise promotes better sleep

which is another requisite for better concentration ability.

Sleep and Rest

As shown by research, one of the biggest factors affecting concentration is rest. The concentration requires the mind to be calm. But the mind will be disturbed if one is not well rested. Make sure that your child gets the right amount of sleep at the right time. Having regular sleep time can be the key step for concentrating.

Sleeping too much is also not ideal. Oversleeping disrupts your natural rhythm and can make you lazy.

if we lack sleep…

How much should one sleep?

If you deprive your body of sleep it will catch up to you, and you inevitably will need to regain those lost hours. This sleep number, so to speak, is unique to each individual.

Sleeplessness cause headaches, increased appetite, drop in body temperature, decrease in immune system responsiveness.

Sleepiness slows down your thought processes.

Scientists measuring sleepiness have found that sleep deprivation leads to lower alertness and concentration. It’s more difficult to focus and pay attention, so you’re more easily confused. Biggest Danger of Sleepiness: Slowed Reaction Time

2. SCHEDULE

Planning

It is essential to have set schedule and plan for study for students to focus better. Help them make a realistic schedule and follow it to achieve the desired goals with respect to studies. Make sure that they allocate enough time for entertainment, studies and sleep while making the study plan.

Having a plan keeps the worries at bay and they can focus better.
Clear action plan imparts a sense of direction and eliminates confusion, helps concentrate better.

When they study without a plan or set schedule they might easily get caught in activities like checking emails, Instant messaging (chatting) and browsing the web.
Studying without a purpose a lot of time is wasted which eventually can increase their anxiety level.
With proper planning, one feels more in control and organized.
Studying at regular hours increases concentration and inculcates a sense of discipline.

3. THE ENVIRONMENT

Study Place

The place of study is very important in determining the level of concentration. Study place should be away from distractions but in your observation. It should be comfortable for them to sit for a longer period.

Specific Area:

It is important to have a specific area designated to study. Avoid places in home-like dining room table, TV room, a common lounge where inevitable distractions are there.

Comfort:

Make sure the place of study has adequate lighting, temperature, and minimal visual distractions. Also, make sure to eliminate the noise around the study place. Some are distracted by music while for others it is helpful in focusing. Generally, music without lyrics is not distracting as much. Earplugs may be used to eliminate distractions from the inevitable noise around.

Function not beauty:

In study rooms, the function should be given more importance than beauty. You can consider placing a bulletin board/ soft board where important notices and reminders can be pinned up. The desk should not be crowded with unnecessary materials. Encourage them to keep organizing their desk and study area, which will help them prioritize and focus on studies.

4. THE MINDSET

Motivation

High motivation towards study is a must for students to be able to focus better. They can be motivated using a reward system. However, keep in mind to stress more on intrinsic motivation.

How to cultivate intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic Motivation reflects the desire to do something as it gives pleasure from within. It is performing an action or behavior because one enjoys the activity itself.

Inspire and help them visualize their specific goals with studies. When they see how current efforts in studies relates to future, where it is all leading, they would be able to work harder and concentrate more. Keep reminding them the higher purpose of education and keep encouraging for the same.
Give them authentic feedback on their achievements and relate it to their self-esteem.
Give them some challenging task related to studies. By achieving that, they would have the sense of accomplishment and would be encouraged to do more in the same line.
Promote their feeling of autonomy by enhancing the feeling that they are in control of their learning.

Emotional Traps

At the time of exams, emotional talks and discussions around the child should be avoided. Also, scolding with harsh words may bother him/her later while studying. Keeping a happy and positive family atmosphere will help them focus better on studies.

Managing Distracting Thoughts

Even after having everything set, as students start studying, their mind wanders from one thing to another and they are unable to focus. Some are worried and have high exam anxiety or fear of failure. Others might get distracted by thoughts unrelated to studies, like movie or game or upcoming event in the family.

Help them learn to manage their distracting thoughts:

Thought postponing: Whenever there is any distracting thought, try to postpone it to a later time. One may also designate a specific time during the day to let the mind wander. For instance, the wandering time is set to 6.30- 6.45 pm every day, where generally a snack break time or play time. So, while studying if any thought comes and distracts, tell yourself that you have designated the wandering time and postpone that thought for that. With practice, this strategy can help them focus on the task at hand.