How To Pay Attention in the Classroom

Do you have difficulty paying attention to what is happening in your classrooms?

• Resist distractions by sitting in front of the room away from disruptive classmates and by focusing on the instructor through active listening and note taking
• Put yourself in the "mood" with attentive expression and posture; do not sprawl
• Shift position in your seat every so often Don't sit frozen in one position .Shifting on occasion will help keep the blood circulating, send more oxygen to your brain, and help you remain alert
• When appropriate: ask a question, ask for more clarity, or engage your teacher and the class in dialogue
• Train yourself not to give in to distractions

When someone enters the room, or when a door slams, do not allow yourself to participate. Rather, keep your concentration on what's in front of you.
Form a connection between you and the teacher

• Practice letting people move or cough without having to look at them - just let them "be out there" as you focus on what is being taught
• When talking with someone, keep your attention on that person, look at his face, and note what is being said. Let the rest of the world just be "out there."
• Use the Be here now technique to help you regain concentration when you do become distracted momentarily.