[injaga]

When I sit behind my desk and start my study I start to think about other things such my life, people around me, my other courses or I wanna feel doing something else like eating, drinking, going to toilet, watching movie or wanna do another homework/assignment or my thesis. And when I force myself read sometimes I read a page or two without understanding the meaning. Cannot recall what I have just read, because my brain was busy.
I have never been to therapist. Could you recommend me your methods to concentration? I would help me a lot.

[agony007]

injaga,
i wish i had some advice to share with you, but i have been experiencing the exact same thing you are going through. i know how you feel. it's aggravating to me. i am seriously frustrated to the point where i don't want to do anything. i hope things get better for ya.

agony

[chaotic13]

OK here is a technique that when you first do it... you are likely not going to like it. However, stick with it and see if it doesn't improve your text scores.

If you are reading a textbook try sitting with notebook. Most textbook chapters start with a page that list chapter objectives. Review the chapter objectives before starting to read. Maybe even read them out loud so you hear the objectives as well as read them. As you start to read the actual chapter...Look at the chapter subheadings and write them in the notebook. After each section, stop and write in your own words what the key concepts were for that section. Copying what is written doesn't cut it..you need to put it in your own words.

The value of this technique is that it gets you looking first at how the chapter content is organized --Objectives... Heading...Subheading. This organization is done for a reason, it can help you focus more on main concepts and less on minor, trivial, nice to know but not necessary information.

If you suffer from ADHD, chunking or breaking down a large chapter into smaller coherent pieces will help you stay focused. You can set little goals... I will read and take notes on 2 sections, THEN I can get up and go to the bathroom. Finally by stopping and checking your understanding by writing key concepts in your own words, helps you convert the information from short-term memory storage to long-term storage. Also by writing it in your own words you can connect the new information to other knowledge you might already have stored in your brain.

Finally, when you have completed the chapter...taking notes after each section, then look at the questions at the end of the chapter, especially the application or critical thinking ones....I KNOW these questions totally suck...but do them anyway. Try to answer them first without looking back in the chapter, then try to use the notes YOU wrote to answer them, finally check your answers by looking back in the chapter.

Is this strategy time intentive?....YES! Can it help you focus and learn textual information...YES! As you practice it you will find that you get better at picking out key concepts in a section, you will get quicker at joting down notes after each section, and things will get more automatic with noting how the author (expert) organizes the content.

[chaotic13]

Just thought I'd add another study idea...many book publishers and now creating there offering in audio format (.mp3). You could call the publisher, give them the ISBN # and see if your book has this format. Oftentimes if it is not normally available, you can fill out a request form and they will make it available. This might not help you this term but if you plan ahead you could place your audio format request now for books you will need next semester. Also, if you have an ADHD diagnosis you could contact your school's disability services department and see what alternatives they have available. If you book is one that has been used in previous semesters, this department might already have it converted.

I struggle focusing while reading also. The Adderall has really helped me with that. I also like listening to podcasts and find I absorb a lot this way. I often listen while exercising. If I keep my body busy...like on a stationary bike or eliptical...then it is easier for my mind to focus.

I don't think hearing a podcast would be enough for me to memorize content for a test, but it would be a nice supplement...a way to preview or review content. Some textbooks offer supplemental material such as podcast commentaries, interviews with the author, etc... Again I would contact the publisher to see what is available. You can also search itunes and other similar sites for supplemental media. If the course you are taking is a general education (liberal arts) kind of course there is likely stuff out there.

[injaga]

Thank you dear, I'll try it out. Sounds workable.

[wis_hiker]

Thanks for the info! I'm 51 yrs old, newly diagnosed w/ADD and a newly re-enrolled in college! I can use all the help and advice I can get. I'm going to finish it this time!

[Junerain]

I struggle to concentrate and have finally found out- I do not have, to even attempt, to concentrate- I can bow out..

..............and journal in class, but look like I am taking notes! Class can seem soooooo boring to someone with ADD as bad as I have it....I study on my own time, with music blaring in the background, and still have one of the highest GPA's in class...

This is probably bad advice though, just have found journaling a lifesaver, a connection to deeper issues when I feel trapped in the mundane...

[embarassed]

Honestly the only thing that really helps me concentrate is medication. ADHD is a neurological disorder. Exercise helps a little bit.

[theama]

I don't have ADD or ADHD but I get very easily distracted and let my mind wander a lot - especially when reading. Like injaga, I can read two pages without understanding it because my mind was somewhere else - or read the same sentence 50 times before I give up cos I can't concentrate.

So I'm just throwing this out there; what about meditation? That's a great way to learn how to concentrate for anyone I think. I use a method where I count to 4 on my in-breath, then hold for 4 seconds, then count to 4 on the out-breath, then hold for 4 seconds etc. and the only thing I have to keep focused on is " 1.. 2.. 3.. 4" so as soon as my mind slips, I can go right back to "2.. 3... 4..".

But that's not really a quick-fix solution for when you really need it, it's more of a way to learn how to be more disciplined when your mind starts to wander and learn how to notice that it is starting to wander.

Worth a try anyway I suppose. x.X