Have you ever found yourself sitting through a home tuition class and realising that – although you thought you were paying attention, you haven’t actually caught what the tutor has been talking about for the past 5 minutes? Well, you are not the only one.
Today, human’s attention span is shorter than ever before, and staying engaged through long hours of classes isn’t always easy – even when you are designated to the classes of the most enthusiastic tutor in town. At some point in the educational journey, most students will experience a loss of focus in class. Maybe you’d find yourself scribbling on your notepad and counting down as the clock ticks away, or perhaps you’d fall into a staring spell while trying to beat the sleepy slate. None of these occurrences is rare, but they could negatively impact your academic performance in the long run.
With that in mind, we have put together 4 tips on how to stay focused and productive during your private tuition in Singapore.
Make sure that you are always well-rested before your tuition classes
It is not just about what you do in class, but what you do before it matters too. To ensure that you can make the most out of your private tuition classes in Singapore, you need to have adequate time to rest and recuperate the night before. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation and interrupted circadian rhythms (the natural cycle of physical, mental and behavioural changes that your body undergoes in a 24-hour cycle) can result in decreased brain and bodily functions. On the other hand, a proper sleep prepares your mind and body to easily absorb new information and stay focused for longer periods.
Tip: Speak to the tuition agency about your working style and arrange for a tutor who will be able to adhere to your schedule and preferences.
Get rid of all unnecessary distractions
Distractions come in all contrasting forms. But what they all have in common is that they steal your attention away from important tasks at hand.
Physical disruptions can quickly occur when we don’t take care of our bodies. Just like how our bodies have rhythms for sleep, they also have a rhythm for eating – this directly correlates to our mental health and attentiveness. Ultimately, you don’t want to be distracted by hunger or thirst in class. So, be sure to stay hydrated and consume proper meals at regular times.
External distractions can, too, be the main culprit that steals your attention. If you find yourself glancing at your phone too often, try putting it on the silent mode, and place it out of reach and sight. Should you find it too distracting to be in a big classroom setting with your friends, it might be worth considering to opt for one-to-one home tuition sessions with fewer undue distractions.
Stay engaged with the lesson
One of the best ways to stay on top of what you are being taught is to actively engage with the subject. Rather than sitting passively throughout a class, become the type of student in Singapore that speaks up and interrogates the topic being taught through open discussions and raising questions.
By doing so, not only will you find yourself being more focused, but you will also be able to process the information you are taking in on a deeper level and commit it to memory. Acing your tuition assignments will subsequently be a breeze.
Adopt the note-taking habit
For some students in Singapore, taking notes may seem like an unnecessary extra step if they feel like they already understand the source materials, but that is a common misunderstanding. Even if you don’t think you will need notes to complete your in-class tuition assignments, taking detailed notes can also be a useful aid for staying attentive throughout the class.
Furthermore, writing notes enables you to truly comprehend and digest the main concepts that are being taught by the tutor, and then express them in a way that you understand best. The winning combination of memorisation and comprehension allows you to keep pace with the overall learning programme comfortably in the long run.
On the lookout for a reliable tuition agency in Singapore? ChampionTutor is the top choice! In our tuition agency, we believe in pairing you with a qualified tutor who is not only knowledgeable, but has all it takes to make learning a meaningful experience for you. Request a tutor here!