[gizmo87]

This isn't a new problem for me, but it seems to be getting worse. I'll try to sit and read material that I need to go over and the distractions just become overbearing. I've had a lot of time on my hands for a while now and I'm simultaneously working on a business and studying for my CCNA (for any non-computer science majors, CISCO Certified Network Associate) exam. My retention is bad, as well. I understand pretty well what I'm reading, but I find myself sometimes going back over the same sentence several times because it didn't register.

Does anyone else have this problem?

[kaliope]

from what i read of many other posts, you are not the only one having this problem. it is very common.

[Blue_Bird]

I have trouble focusing too, I've done that where you read a sentence and it doesn't really go through your head because your mind is elsewhere. I'm not sure of any tips for it, but maybe someone will come along who does have some.

[kim_johnson]

For me...

I need to put myself in a room my myself so that I can talk out loud to myself.

There is something about reading out loud that is more... Memorable. If I read difficult material silently to myself then it often doesn't register. If I read the same material out loud then the act of speaking it and also the fact that I'm hearing it, really seems to help.

I also find it helps to be as active as I can. What I mean by that is that after I've read a couple sentences I'll say (out loud) - 'Wait... What was that about again?' and then I'll try and answer myself 'I think what it was saying was xxx' And try and explain it to... Another student, I guess.

I find it helps to take little notes of what I'm reading (as I'm reading it) as well. Bullet points can be great. So... Maybe a page is talking about 4 different ways of achieving y or whatever. To write them out as bullet points (and briefly summarise it verbally and / or on the page). Then to cover up the page and ask myself (out loud) 'wait... What were those 4 points, again?' Then answer myself. Test, retest. Every 10 minutes or so until... I only need to go through it once a day or week or... Just before the exam.

To basically... Take it slow through the material. With lots of pauses for repetitions. Multi-sensory repetitions (speak the content, hear the content, draw the content, see the content). The more you... Play with it... Churning it around in various ways... The more you understand it. Personalise it. Retain it.

At least, that's what works for me. Being active brings the focus to the content at hand. Being distracted is normal... Just refocus gently without judgement.

I don't know how people study in big study halls or in libraries or whatever. I've had many years of having my own office and I really couldn't go back now.... It means I study a lot in bed, though. Which is better for my back than sitting, I guess.

I need to get a bean bag..

[gizmo87]

Originally Posted by kim_johnson

For me...

I need to put myself in a room my myself so that I can talk out loud to myself.

There is something about reading out loud that is more... Memorable. If I read difficult material silently to myself then it often doesn't register. If I read the same material out loud then the act of speaking it and also the fact that I'm hearing it, really seems to help.

I also find it helps to be as active as I can. What I mean by that is that after I've read a couple sentences I'll say (out loud) - 'Wait... What was that about again?' and then I'll try and answer myself 'I think what it was saying was xxx' And try and explain it to... Another student, I guess.

I find it helps to take little notes of what I'm reading (as I'm reading it) as well. Bullet points can be great. So... Maybe a page is talking about 4 different ways of achieving y or whatever. To write them out as bullet points (and briefly summarise it verbally and / or on the page). Then to cover up the page and ask myself (out loud) 'wait... What were those 4 points, again?' Then answer myself. Test, retest. Every 10 minutes or so until... I only need to go through it once a day or week or... Just before the exam.

To basically... Take it slow through the material. With lots of pauses for repetitions. Multi-sensory repetitions (speak the content, hear the content, draw the content, see the content). The more you... Play with it... Churning it around in various ways... The more you understand it. Personalise it. Retain it.

At least, that's what works for me. Being active brings the focus to the content at hand. Being distracted is normal... Just refocus gently without judgement.

I don't know how people study in big study halls or in libraries or whatever. I've had many years of having my own office and I really couldn't go back now.... It means I study a lot in bed, though. Which is better for my back than sitting, I guess.

I need to get a bean bag..

Thank you so much! I'm going to give everything you mentioned a try. I've had something of a method I use for technical systems where I start with a basic component and build on it from there, sort of mapping it out in my mind. It tends to work for me with just about anything else, too. I think that between this and your suggestions, I can start getting back to where I need to be.

I've never understood how people can study in noisy environments. If it were me, I have to be in total silence or at least away from any noise that isn't coming from me. It's even difficult having music on in the background.

Also... I went and got a couple of used papasan chairs a while back and love them more than anything. It's like sitting in a cushioned bowl.

[kim_johnson]

the map idea sounds great. try drawing it, too. there are loads of examples of things on the internet, but you need to draw it out / represent it in a way that it makes sense to your mind...

then if you get stuck in tests / exams you can start doodling on the back... and sometimes... you will realise that you actually do know that!

of course it depends on what you have to do for your assessments... but... try and make it fun, yeah.

i think... i guess i try and play with myself... like... sort of pretending i'm 5 years old or something and doing my best to teach myself well. well, and kindly.

kim_johnson,

i might actually try the reading out loud idea just for daily life.

it might help me remember things more

[kim_johnson]

Originally Posted by shattered sanity

kim_johnson,

i might actually try the reading out loud idea just for daily life.

it might help me remember things more

It does help.

It activates slightly different neural pathways. Some people think that thinking actually evolved from speaking. One day we asked a question - but there wasn't anybody around to answer us. But the answer occurred to us once we heard the question. Then asking the question more quietly (e.g., 'where did I hide that patch of delicious berries'). Behaviorists think that thinking involves 'subvocalisations'. Basically, the throat muscles involved in speech make tiny little movements while we are thinking. Some theorists think that hearing voices is similarly misinterpreted thoughts because the same speech muscles make tiny little movements while people report hearing voices.

Anyway... It is 'attention capturing' to hear noise... So reading the stuff outloud should really help focus your attention, at least.

I think we don't make more of a bigger deal of this because we don't have enough space (or good enough sound proofing) to offer all students a suitable environment for this study technique.

Though it did occur to me... WIth all these new buildings going up... Most of the buildings that we have are not even used more than half the time. If we truly went 24/7 (the idea of living in 'shifts') then we could use what we have at least 2x as effectively / efficiently... Anyway... Whatever...

[einsam]

I'm studying for CCNA, too. I focus on notes and variety in my reading, since some of the official material is very dry and wordy.

[avlady]

you two must be very very smart, i don't understand a word you said!!!been away from school too long!!

[gizmo87]

(((einsam))) It really is dry, but not as bad as some technical manuals I've had to read in the past... I wouldn't recommend checking out the specs on a 555 timer before bed. I've tried to throw some variety in there, but I like to know the basics about everything as they come up and the way my book is written doesn't offer that to me. I've spent more time researching on my own time than I have reading the book. I'm thankful it came with a companion video set, though. Those give me a nice break and sum things up at the same time.

(((avlady))) Thank you! Most people just write me off as goofy. I like to think anyone can do anything, even if that's a little naive.

[einsam]

Originally Posted by gizmo87

(((einsam))) It really is dry, but not as bad as some technical manuals I've had to read in the past... I wouldn't recommend checking out the specs on a 555 timer before bed. I've tried to throw some variety in there, but I like to know the basics about everything as they come up and the way my book is written doesn't offer that to me. I've spent more time researching on my own time than I have reading the book. I'm thankful it came with a companion video set, though. Those give me a nice break and sum things up at the same time.

(((avlady))) Thank you! Most people just write me off as goofy. I like to think anyone can do anything, even if that's a little naive.

I dreamed in C++ once, and that was enough for me.

I'll admit to liking the basics, too. It's kind of like having a point of reference or all the components for a mental model of how the big picture works. There are a lot of really useful pages out there, though, so researching on your own time is a smart idea.

[M21and_stuff]

I have the same problem. The reading aloud does help a lot. And summarizing what you've read at the end of every paragraph. The note taking drives me bonkers though. I feel like I have to write everything down. Anyhoo. You are not alone in that.

[elevatedsoul]

i want my ccna too
stay strong and drink lots of Monsters

[gizmo87]

Originally Posted by einsam

I dreamed in C++ once, and that was enough for me.

I'll admit to liking the basics, too. It's kind of like having a point of reference or all the components for a mental model of how the big picture works. There are a lot of really useful pages out there, though, so researching on your own time is a smart idea.

I think it makes a lot of difference. There seems to be a divide between people studying for it, and they either seem to only need one book and a little time to prepare, while others have said they have bought every guide for the exams and have taken several months before feeling comfortable. It's just something I picked up long ago and I even do it as soon as I find a word I'm unfamiliar with. Full comprehension is a must

Originally Posted by elevatedsoul

i want my ccna too
stay strong and drink lots of Monsters

I used to, then I had several days without sleep and I drank ten Red Bulls over a three-day period because they were on sale. The only thing that had 'wings' was my heart, and I was afraid it was going to fly out of my chest. Study on, though, and good luck

[Kowareta]

If you're having trouble reading maybe you could read out loud? That would force you to pay attention.