Charles Dube
THE general belief is that all learners know they should be focused when it comes to their academics. But most learners still give in to distractions even though they know they should be studying.
What should learners do to remain focused and reduce procrastination? This is quite evident when learners have finished writing their termly tests or examinations. Most of them resort to over-relaxation and playing. This leads to rampant indiscipline among the learners.
Learners should know that having a teacher instructing them in class is a bonus. They do not learn from the teacher but get information mainly from the books and other resources used in the class. The teacher’s absence should not be a passport for learners to turn seats and desks upside down. Learners should not be found screaming and beating desks in the fashion of drums when they are supposed to be busy studying. Agreed, learners cannot study all the time, therefore they need to relax.
One hopes that with the full implementation of the new curriculum there would be less disciplinary problems as most of the time learners are kept busy. Learners are allowed to fully exercise their brains by engaging in activities of their choice. The demand of tasks keep learners occupied gathering information and carrying out projects. Learners use their brains as well as their hands. There is less procrastination when people are busy.
Learners tend to procrastinate, telling themselves that they will catch up with their studies towards the next examinations.
Why do learners procrastinate? There are many possible reasons cited by researchers why learners procrastinate, for example, they do not see the purpose of what they are doing. Some do not think they are good at the subject, so they feel discouraged.
There are distractions learners have not eliminated yet or they are tired and do not know where to start.
It is important for a learner to time his or her study sessions and breaks. If you lack focus when it comes to academics it is probably because you are not taking an intentional approach towards it. The next point has been repeated many times where learners are advised not to study for too long at one go. This depends on individuals but research has proved that learners focus best when they study for about 30 to 45 minutes at a go. There is no point trying to focus for two or three hours straight, because it is impossible for you to focus for that long.
After 30 to 45 minutes studying, it is advisable to take a five to 10 minutes break as this approach will make you more productive. Before starting work, write down three to four tasks you want to complete for the day. For example, you might write down: Read Literature set book, pages 20 to 30. Complete Mathematics assignment, questions 1 to 10. Read Biology textbook, pages 10 to 15. Create outline for English essays, read History notes.
As far as possible, study at the same time each day to avoid confusing yourself. This point was stated before where learners are advised not to multitask. Multitasking is not effective. When people multitask, they are just switching from one task to another. Each time that happens, focus and productivity decrease. Focus on one task at a time. Before starting work, remove all possible distractions. Put any distracting books, magazines and other such items away from you.
Now that we are living in the world of technology you might as well turn off your phone or computer so as to concentrate. Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy. You cannot concentrate and understand what you are studying if your neighbour’s children are making noise. In most cases it is very difficult to tell those children to stop making noise in fear of straining relations with neighbours. Establish how long each of your tasks takes.
If a task takes three minutes or less to complete, do it immediately. The reason that many learners lack focus and procrastinate is that they have a long list of small tasks to complete. As such their to-do list seems never ending which makes them feel overwhelmed. The solution is to complete small tasks immediately when they arise, instead of allowing them to pile up. For example, complete these tasks straight away without hesitation: Pick up books on the floor which do not belong there.
Clear your desk after you have completed your work for the day. File a set of notes or graded assignments and create a checklist. All these are clear signs of an organised learner. These distractions meant to be cleared appear insignificant but if you do not carry them out they have a great effect in your concentration. Lack of focus leads to low grades.
Learners remain focused as long as you are still at school. Do not give in to peer pressure. Your peers might lead you astray at the crucial moment. Do not procrastinate if you are to make it at the end.
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