<p>I can stay at the computer screen for hours at end. but then I end up staring at the words without processing them. it's becoming extremely irritating to see that i need far far far more timet o sstudy than other people do just because i stare at the words for so freaking long. does anyone have any suggestions? thanks</p>
<p>Go to your counseling center and see if they can offer help. You may be suffering from depression. A lack of ability to concentrate is a symptom of depression. </p>
<p>If you're not depressed, the counseling center may be able to offer useful tips on how you can study more effectively.</p>
<p>Take notes on what you're reading, while you're reading. It may take a long time at first, but it really helps for concentration because you're actually trying to process the information and put it into your own words rather than "staring at it".</p>
<p>I've found for some classes I really need to print out what I'm studying so I can read it in a more comfortable setting while taking notes on it. Sometimes writing down little half-sentences can keep you way more focused than just reading for hours on end.</p>
<p>Also try reading important passages out loud to yourself.</p>
<p>No I'm not depressed. (although the lack of concentrating is making me that way >.<). it's like positive feedback. The counseling center has workshops on time management, procrastination, and taking notes (but not on concentrating on the material =/). </p>
<p>"Take notes on what you're reading, while you're reading. It may take a long time at first, but it really helps for concentration because you're actually trying to process the information and put it into your own words rather than "staring at it"."</p>
<p>thanks. I actually did try that but I noticed that I end up taking the notes like a zombie. >.< and then I don't understand the notes I'm taking. =/</p>
<p>There is a great website with ressources:
Howtostudy.org</a> | When you hit the books -and they hit back.
Taking notes is sometimes not enough: You need to process the information. Mindmaps, diagramms, whatever.
Read a paragraph, pause, think about what you have read and write one or two sentences about it. If it doesn't work, read a line and rephrase it.
Try to print the material, sometimes it works better that way.
Reward yourself - with instant, positive stuff:
University</a> of Victoria - Counselling Services</p>
<p>clair18, thank you for that link. It looks really helpful.</p>
<p>alicewang, when I feel the way you're describing, I'm usually tired. My tendency is to have a certain amount of work I expect myself to get through each day, and so I'll force myself to stay with it until it's done. That takes forever. Then I'm usually getting to bed late, so the next day I'm more tired, and it takes even longer.</p>
<p>What I've found is that if I stay a couple of days ahead of imposed deadlines (such as homework due dates), and I get to that point, I can stop working and start focusing on going to sleep early. The next day I'm better rested, and I can usually finish the first day's work and catch up to where I had planned to be by the end of the second day. Also, even if there are things I'd like to be doing in the afternoons, it usually makes sense for me to get my schoolwork done earlier, when I'm less tired.</p>
<p>Obviously, quitting every time I get in over my head isn't a great idea, but if the reason I'm in over my head is fatigue it works for me.</p>
<p>Are you getting enough sleep? You may just be tired.</p>
<p>It also tends to be more effective to break up your study times so you aren't trying to study for hours and hours with no break. Plan breaks that allow you to do something different -- play a game, exercise, chat with a friend. That switch will reenergize your brain.</p>
<p>i have a lot of trouble reading long passages/etc off a computer screen...you can either print them out, OR (just started doing this) you can copy-paste into Word and use the highlighting tool. for me, it keeps me involved in what i'm reading just like if i used an actual highlighter on paper.</p>
<p>also, as stupid as it may make you feel, you can try verbally summing up whatever you just read, be it a page or a paragraph if you're an auditory learner, or making a map (i HAVE TO do this for characters in shakespeare plays to know what's going on) if you're more visual.</p>
<p>I do better with printing the pages out- something about hard copy...(yes I am taking classes, so there ;) ) </p>
<p>Also, i use 4x6 note cards to take notes- for terms, people, whatever</p>
<p>Something else to think about is location- is there enough fresh air in the room? </p>
<p>Also, do you try and study in the evening? Or do you study during the day when you can....night times...zzzzzzzzz</p>
<p>this will sound odd, but when my D was having problem in a class, we got her a tape recorded and she read the reading into it and played it back...it helped her somehow</p>
<p>and again Print it Out!!! That can make a huge difference, then take yourself to a new place- library, or coffee shop or some place different</p>
<p>where you are working obviouslly isn't working...some people need quiet and some need noise</p>
<p>Computer screens can be visually fatiguing, especially if you are using your computer in an otherwise darkened room. At night, have at least one lamp on in the room. Adjust screen brightness and contrast to levels which are visually comfortable for you. Also, reduce (and ideally, eliminate) screen glare created by sunlit windows and lamps; reposition your computer screen, close window shades, and reposition lamps (if possible). </p>
<p>If you are a contact lens-wearer, switch to your glasses when you know you will be spending a long stretch of time at the computer, and make sure your eyeglass lenses are clean.</p>
<p>Take a physical and visual break from the computer every once in awhile. Get up, stretch your legs, and give your eyes a rest.</p>
<p>When you reach the point that you are no longer processing what you read, then it’s time to take a long break from the computer. Switch activities, or grab a bite to eat, or just lie down and a take a nap. Come back to the computer after you are refreshed.</p>
<p>Best wishes.</p>
<p>do you watch a lot of TV?</p>
<p>I have the same problem. I find that eating while I study helps a lot. (: Weird, I know.</p>
<p>alice, you have to read actively. you've heard of active learning of course but what does it mean to actively read? This type of reading involves using several techniques which you can mix and match. For instance, try reading by following your hand or another pointing device (such as a highlighter!). constantly mark up your textbook (if you're going to keep it and you should if it's for your major) and rewrite major ideas in your own words in the margins. these steps have helped me tremendously and I never fall asleep while studying now. just look up on google for speed reading tips and you'll see similar suggestions to the ones i just gave you. i recommend reading a book called "How to Read a Book". excuse the title, look it up on amazon, and buy it. it's a classic. </p>
<p>other tips: make sure you have very good lighting, preferably full spectrum lights. try setting up an incline on your table so you aren't constantly bending over your book. </p>
<p>look, there are tons of advice we can give you but only a few will help you much. figure out what will work for you, really utilize it, and ditch the rest. </p>
<p>also, make sure you don't have ADD.</p>
<p>make sure you aren't dyslexic too.</p>
<p>yea, try reading from a book or something.
Ok, before doing this answer this question....Are you really interested in the classes you are taking?</p>