Paying attention in class?

Question

During class, I often drowse off or start doodling in the margins of my notebook, usually missing important notes or lessons.

What should I do to stay awake and alert in class?

PS- I don't have ADD or any learning disabilities, and please don't say "take a pill" or "drink red bull" because those are out of the question. Serious answers only.

Answer 1

Maybe you have a different learning style than is needed for the type of teaching in the classroom?

If the lessons are given verbally by the teacher, you might have a problem with auditory  and your learning style might be one of the others such as visual, kinesthetic, written, etc.

The problem is, schools and teachers don't care what your learning style is, they will only teach the way they want to and if you don't understnad it, they think 'too bad'.

Is the classwork very easy for you? If so it could be that you are gifted (above intelligence)  and are just bored because you already know the work.

THey dont' care about this, either.

Answer 2

I do the same exact thing, only due to my lack of interest.  If you really want to stay awake and alert in class, then just do it.  Period.  And if that doesn't work, then eat a big breakfast to get your brain in learning mode.  Trust me, it works.

Answer 3

There are a couple of things you can try:

1) Set a goal for yourself for the class. I will take 1 page of notes or set a participation goal such as I will answer or ask a question about the topic.

2) One way to stay alert is help another. Ask your teacher if there is someone you can take notes for. There is always one student in the class that struggles with note taking.

3) I would also be interested in what time of day is it before lunch or after lunch. If it is before lunch your blood sugar could be going low and eating a little something will help this. If it is happens after lunch it could be that you are taking in too much carbs or sugar during lunch.

4) Doodling is not all bad. It can be a sign that you are an auditory learner your hearing is your strength and we are taught that we have to take notes while in class.

5) You also use the rubber band method -every time you feel yourself becoming drowsy snap the band super hard just enough to make you snap awake.

Answer 4

Honestly, I used to do that all the time. I can't help it, I am a day dreamer, and as an adult I have learned to control that urge to daydream and I have to fight to concentrate.

As a young child, and a teen though, my mind would always wander even if my Dad beat my behind, I still could not focus on boring c**p in school.

The only thing I can suggest is to have a friend, or study partner that you can share notes with. Pick someone who is a nerd or a very good student to take notes, homework assignments and info down for you.  Pay them or make some kind of arrangement  to help you study. Also, ask the teacher if they can print out a copy of their curriculum, assignments, instructions as a handout, or even better, they should get with the 21st century already and E-mail any pertinent info to all the students because that's how it's done in college and in the business world.

Answer 5

sit in the front of the calss room and write notes about everything the teacher says. when you feel yourself drifting off have the self discipline to make yourself pay attention. if that doesn't work talk to your teacher and see if maybe you can work something out where you get extra tutoring each day and she reviews the main concepts. that way even if you do miss something than you'll learn it one on one.