Improve Test Scores With Better Concentration!
By Norman Prince

Good concentration is essential for comprehension, remembering and speed-reading. There are five aspects of concentration that you need to deal with in order to focus and work successfully. They are: A) external distractions; B) internal distractions; C) "boring" reading materials; D) "boring" speakers; and E) time management.

A.) External Distractions. There are six (6) factors in your environment that you need to work well for you to concentrate effectively.

1. Noise. Going to a quieter place is sometimes a feasible solution. Arriving early or on off-days at the workplace, or leaving late, may enable you to find the quiet you need for optimum concentration.

When changing locations isn't possible, there are several options. Noise-canceling headphones (often expensive) or earplugs can help – check with a pharmacist for the appropriate earplugs. If working at home, you could add options like a "sound machine" (inexpensive ones can be distracting) or a "white noise generator" – tuning a radio between stations or running a fan will produce a semblance of white noise. Slow music (some classical, "new age" or "cool jazz") may help when it is the only way to cover up ongoing or intermittent noise distractions.

2. People. If the "producer" of noises is someone you can speak with, ask for their cooperation and offer reciprocity. Let them know that you need their assistance in meeting your deadline.

3. Phones. Try to set a phone to a noiseless, or the quietest, setting. Don't answer calls, but check after messages have been left to be sure to not ignore an emergency.

4. Lighting. Bright, soft, indirect (ideally overhead) light is best and can be supplemented with a task light. High-contrast task lights as sole light sources are tiring. The best bulbs for reading and for limiting fatigue are full-spectrum incandescents (the bulbs often have a purplish or bluish cast). These put out less light, so you may have to go to higher-wattage bulbs.

A second choice would be "bright white" halogen bulbs, which fit into standard incandescent fixtures. These put out more and better "quality" light than standard incandescents. Standard incandescent (tungsten) bulbs are not a good choice, nor are fluorescents or small halogen bulbs.

5. Temperature The best temperature for optimum alertness for most people is in the 60's. Above 68 degrees, many people begin to feel drowsy. If you can handle temperatures in the low 60's, they enable maximum alertness.

6. Furnishings Straight-back chairs and tables or desks facing walls, rather than doors or windows, are ideal. Ergonomic furnishings and equipment and having all materials and supplies handy are helpful. Do not try to work on a couch, soft chair, floor or bed.

B.) Internal Distractions. Regardless of the nature of the internal distractions (worry or stress relating to work, personal, educational concerns, etc.) the solutions are the same. Don't deny anxiety- acknowledge and deal with it.

1. Writing. Writing a rough script for a conversation or other communication, which may never take place, is a good way to get your concerns out of your system so that you can concentrate on your priority. Journaling is an alternative.

2. Talking. Discussing the problem with a trusted peer, friend, colleague, counselor or family member, by phone or in person, may reduce stress enough so that you can regain your focus.

3. Physical or Spiritual Exercise. Exercise, yoga or meditation can all help to reduce anxiety that is interfering with your concentration. Deep breathing or relaxation exercises can also help, as can visualization, affirmations (positive suggestions) and prayer. The key is to acknowledge and (make a commitment to) deal with the distraction(s) after you compete your high-priority work.

C.) "Boring" Reading Materials. Pre-reading or previewing the material, turning subtitles into questions that you will read the material in order to answer, and looking at the visuals in the text are all useful. Activating background knowledge (from any source) can help you to become more involved.

Seeing how material relates to you personally and associating it with things that you already know are also helpful. Other alternatives include consulting other written materials like encyclopedias, internet sources, and possibly CD-ROM's or DVD's if those are available.

Sometimes working with, or trying to teach the information to, another person can assist in regaining your focus. Taking concise notes while speed-reading will greatly improve concentration and retention. Speed-reading enables improved concentration because you are reading at the rate at which your brain process information.

D.) "Boring" Speakers. People speak more slowly than they read, so it is even easier to lose concentration while listening to information. Sitting toward the front-center and maintaining eye contact are good ways to put your self "on the spot", forcing you to attend more closely. Ask and answer questions, and participate in any other ways that you can. Taking concise notes, using abbreviations, can be extremely helpful.

Paying attention to visuals and graphics helps to keep you actively involved. Pay attention to the speaker's body language, including facial expressions.

Listening very carefully, especially at the beginning and end of the presentation, for signal words indicating thesis, main ideas, major support and summary/conclusion, is key for getting what is most important. Listen also for repetition and stress (tone of voice).

The above active verbal, visual and auditory suggestions will optimize your concentration while listening.

E.) Time Management. Do your most important work when you are most alert—are you a morning, afternoon or evening person? Take breaks of 5-10 minutes each hour. Taking a brisk walk, doing energizing breathing exercises, swinging or pumping your arms or having a healthy ("brain food") snack during your breaks can refresh you. Do the most important, difficult work first.

Conclusion. Good concentration depends on successfully dealing with external and internal distractions, "boring" materials and speakers and time management. Good nutrition ("brain food"), adequate rest and breaks, and techniques such as pre-reading, activating background knowledge, questioning and note-taking will all improve your ability to focus on your highest priorities.