About Marilyn Robb Expertise I am an educational psychologist and counsellor, with more ten years of experience in teaching, parenting, running support groups and workshops, teacher training and counselling. I would like to share my knowledge and expertise in issues particularly related to helping children cope with learning and the school experience.
Expert: Marilyn Robb Date: 7/3/2005 Subject: concentration
Question i find it very difficult to concentrate in class though i am a good student otherwise. i believe i could do much better if i improve my concentretion power.what should i do?
Answer Dear Dinsa
Thank you for your question.
In my experience, inability to concentrate is usually the result of one's attention being tied up with other emotions, thoughts and concerns,etc. It means that consciously or sub-consciously your mind is being pre-occupied with something else and so not available for focusing on the task at hand in the present moment.
If this is something that has recently started then you need to go back in your mind and find out what was happening (even something that seemed insignificant at the time) that you may probably be still thinking about, trying to sort out, being anxious or concerned about.
If it is a long-standing situation then you may be probably developing a general boredom and dis-interest in school work in general.
Boredom with what is happening is a common cause of lack of concentration,but it is hard to admit as we are afraid that if we recognize the boredom we will no longer pursue the action.
It would help to have someone listen to you while you explore what has been happening in your life recently. Not just talk about the events, but notice what you are interested in and what you have lost interest in; look for places where you subconscioulsy wish that your life was different.
In general , try to identify all the things, big and little, that could be vying for your attention, and see how best you could take care of those.
More specifically, in school, notice if the work is no longer challenging or too challenging, or you do not understand what is going on in the class. The mind tends to shut off when over-burdened or not stimulated enough.
If you are able to identify these things, then you are better able to deal with it.
Take care of the little things- even if it means talking about them with someone, expressing how you feel about things going on around you; in other words clear your mind of those things.
If school is no longer a challenge then try to find activities that interest you and motivate you. If it is getting too difficult you may need tutoring help.
Hope this is helpful
Good luck
Dr.Marilyn Robb
