How To Prevent Common Distractions To Learning (guest post)
Learning how to prevent common distractions to learning is becoming increasingly vital. The modern student is plagued by outside interests and pressures. This is true at every age, given the popularity of hand-held, mobile devices and the massive amounts of time that people spend online or engaging in naturally distracting activities. The human mind is becoming accustomed to small doses of digestible information and thus, fewer people are receptive to heavy reading, critical thought and the ability to remain focused on a single subject for any extended period of time.
Build Strong Foundations
Students are better geared for success when they have a solid understanding of all basic subjects. Young students cannot begin to read until they learn the alphabet. Multiplication is nearly impossible without first mastering addition. This same idea applies all throughout an individual’s academic career. Students who take Conceptual Physics perform better in Physics and those who master pre-Algebra will easily tackle complex algebraic problems when moving on to higher classes. As a teacher or administrator, it is therefore imperative to ensure that your group has mastered the fundamentals of learning, before introducing them to more challenging subject matter. As a student, it is often best to perform a review of basic skills, before attempting to build upon them.Limit Technology
Technical tools are good and their efficiency and convenience has caused them to permeate nearly every corner of the young learner’s life. Sadly, even adults lack self-control when it comes to finding appropriate times to check messages, respond to e-mails or submit social networking posts. In these instances, technology is no longer helpful. It is simply distracting. Thus, any devices or gadgets that are not being used solely for study-related calculations or other learning purposes, should be stashed away until class time is over.
Use Focusing Activities
Sitting still for extended periods of time can prove far more tiring than engaging in challenging physical activities. Getting the blood flowing by standing up and moving about will often make it easier for students to focus. This is especially true for young learners during the later portion of the school day. The various aches, pains and twitches the prolonged sitting will often cause can make a person’s own body the greatest distraction to learning. Leading a brief exercise sessions before starting a lecture can be a very effective way to eliminate this distraction.
Properly Equip Students
People should have everything that they need to complete a lesson. For teachers, it’s vital to send out comprehensive lists of the resources that will be necessary for completing a course. Unless properly equipped, students will find it harder to follow, and ultimately find themselves either falling behind or turning their attention to other subjects. Students must diligently seek the required resources and any necessary financial assistance, should they lack access to the proper learning tools.
Make Lessons Engaging
Studies have to be interesting if students are going to stay focused on them. Administrators and instructors alike must find modern and age-appropriate strategies for luring students in. This is especially true in mathematics and history, where many students tend to feel a sense of disconnect. When everyone has a strong foundation in the learning fundamentals, however, it becomes easier to ensure that all parties are able to stay on top of new developments and new information without losing interest.
Communication Modes
Instructors also need to ensure that they’re choosing the best modes of communication when speaking to their charges. It can be difficult for some professionals to take an introductory approach to topics that they are well-familiar with. Using complex terms that students are not likely to know, however, should only be done once everyone in the class has a firm understanding of the subject matter and is ready to digest larger and more sophisticated messages. Not only is it imperative for educators to use vocabulary that will not be off-putting during the formative stages of learning, but they should also pay careful attention to the social and cultural dynamics of their classes. These factors could present language barriers and other obstacles that must be overcome if all parties are to become and remain engaged in learning.
Students are better geared for success when they have a solid understanding of all basic subjects. Young students cannot begin to read until they learn the alphabet. Multiplication is nearly impossible without first mastering addition. This same idea applies all throughout an individual’s academic career. Students who take Conceptual Physics perform better in Physics and those who master pre-Algebra will easily tackle complex algebraic problems when moving on to higher classes. As a teacher or administrator, it is therefore imperative to ensure that your group has mastered the fundamentals of learning, before introducing them to more challenging subject matter. As a student, it is often best to perform a review of basic skills, before attempting to build upon them.Limit Technology
Technical tools are good and their efficiency and convenience has caused them to permeate nearly every corner of the young learner’s life. Sadly, even adults lack self-control when it comes to finding appropriate times to check messages, respond to e-mails or submit social networking posts. In these instances, technology is no longer helpful. It is simply distracting. Thus, any devices or gadgets that are not being used solely for study-related calculations or other learning purposes, should be stashed away until class time is over.
Use Focusing Activities
Sitting still for extended periods of time can prove far more tiring than engaging in challenging physical activities. Getting the blood flowing by standing up and moving about will often make it easier for students to focus. This is especially true for young learners during the later portion of the school day. The various aches, pains and twitches the prolonged sitting will often cause can make a person’s own body the greatest distraction to learning. Leading a brief exercise sessions before starting a lecture can be a very effective way to eliminate this distraction.
Properly Equip Students
People should have everything that they need to complete a lesson. For teachers, it’s vital to send out comprehensive lists of the resources that will be necessary for completing a course. Unless properly equipped, students will find it harder to follow, and ultimately find themselves either falling behind or turning their attention to other subjects. Students must diligently seek the required resources and any necessary financial assistance, should they lack access to the proper learning tools.
Make Lessons Engaging
Studies have to be interesting if students are going to stay focused on them. Administrators and instructors alike must find modern and age-appropriate strategies for luring students in. This is especially true in mathematics and history, where many students tend to feel a sense of disconnect. When everyone has a strong foundation in the learning fundamentals, however, it becomes easier to ensure that all parties are able to stay on top of new developments and new information without losing interest.
Communication Modes
Instructors also need to ensure that they’re choosing the best modes of communication when speaking to their charges. It can be difficult for some professionals to take an introductory approach to topics that they are well-familiar with. Using complex terms that students are not likely to know, however, should only be done once everyone in the class has a firm understanding of the subject matter and is ready to digest larger and more sophisticated messages. Not only is it imperative for educators to use vocabulary that will not be off-putting during the formative stages of learning, but they should also pay careful attention to the social and cultural dynamics of their classes. These factors could present language barriers and other obstacles that must be overcome if all parties are to become and remain engaged in learning.
Joseph Rodriguez writes all about education. His recent work is on his journey earning an online masters in human resources.
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