<p>Hey everyone, so starting in 9th grade I've had this huge difficulty of paying attention in class. Perhaps upwards of 90% of a class I'm zoned out.
Even when not tired or having a full night's rest, I still doze off in class or zone out and think about other things.
It's really affected my academic performance. Please help!</p>
<p>It really comes down to your interest in the class that you’re in. I had a huge issue with paying attention in my high school classes because I felt that a lot of the classes were jokes – boy, I was wrong. I mean, certain classes are pretty pointless, but basic core classes like Math and English were the ones that really helped me in college so far. Basically, come into class with an open mind, continue to look forward to a goal you’ve set up for yourself, whether it is getting into a specific college or a job that you really, really want. Go into your classes with open mindset, ready to learn everything and utilize your skills to apply in every day life situations.</p>
<p>Basically, just do the work effectively, even if it’s a class you hate. It sucks sometimes because you might truly hate the class, but, hey, everyone goes through with that experience. Just think of it this way, “Work hard, get a good grade, and never have to take this class again.”</p>
<p>Good Luck.</p>
<p>Sit in the front of the class. o_o
You have your teacher right there. Hard to doze off when everyone behind you can see you, and your professor’s only a few feet away.</p>
<p>I agree that sitting in the front of class is crucial.
I would also bring a bottle of cold water to sip when you need to perk up.
Are you eating enough breakfast?</p>
<p>I used to have this problem. Honestly, what helped me was committing to a group trivia night once a week (winning group got a bar tab). It may sound dumb, but it worked. I started to pay attention not just to the big stuff, but also the small bits, because they might be brought up in trivia. “Useless” classes like art history suddenly had an application, so it kept me from zoning out. Because it was group trivia, having other members that depended on me was a big factor as well. If I was playing alone, who cares if I don’t win, but having teammates made me want to prove that I was a good addition to the team. I now have class on the nights that I used to go, so it’s not a factor anymore, but I no long zone out and still find myself listening and thinking “that would make a great trivia question” :)</p>
<p>You have to be “active” in class. Physically sipping water as suggested above may help. More important, your mind must be active. Ask yourself questions as the teacher is lecturing. If you can’t answer them in your own mind, it’s time to raise your hand and ask the teacher. When the teacher asks the class a question, answer it in your head, even if you don’t want to raise your hand.</p>