Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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170 CHAPTER 7

telephone calls), uncomfortable study areas (e.g., clothes and books

piled all over the room), and disruptive roommates. Internal dis-

tracters refer to sources of interference from within, such as irrelevant

thoughts (e.g., “I forgot to return my library books today”), worry

(e.g., “I don’t know if I can learn this material”), physiological and

emotional distress (e.g., headache), and daydreaming (e.g., thinking

about next weekend’s party).

It is important to identify the types of distracters that tend to inter-

fere with attention (Ottens, 1991). Think about academic situations

EXERCISE 7.2: SELF-OBSERVATION: BECOMING

AWARE OF MISDIRECTED

ATTENTION

in the present or past where your attention was misdirected. In the

following space, identify the situation and type of distraction. Con-

sider the following questions: Do your distractions tend to be more

internal or external? Do your distractions tend to occur in certain sit-

uations (e.g., tests or lectures) or locations (e.g., studying at home

or school or in the library)?

Where Attention Got Misdirected Type of Distraction

(Internal or External)

HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY ATTENTION AND CONCENTRATION?

You will be better able to enhance your concentration if you deal

with known distracters before you begin studying, reading, or listening

to a lecture; adopt strategies that encourage concentration; monitor

your concentration as you study; and deal with distractions when they

occur. Table 7.1 contains a list of suggestions to help you manage

both external and internal distractions.