Attitude

Having the right mental attitude and physical condition is crucial for peak performance – just look at what the best athletes do to prepare themselves.

Below, I'll talk about:

Body
Mind
Distractions
Brain music
Food and drink
Attitude at school

Body

Posture. If you sit hunched up, you will squeeze your diaphragm which will prevent you breathing properly. Most people are so used to this that when they really do breathe properly, it feels odd!

Start a learning session with a bit of deep breathing. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm ten times. Have a stretch. Repeat this every ten minutes. This will keep enough oxygen getting to your brain and prevent you getting drowsy.

Adjust your chair, or choose a different one if necessary, so that your hands rest comfortably on your table.

Take regular mini-breaks to breathe and stretch.

Mind

The most useful attitudes include the following:

• You always search for meaning in everything you read, see or hear.
• You 'play' with the information until it makes complete sense to you - so much so that you feel you can teach it to someone else who knows nothing about it.
• You look for connections between what you're learning and what you already know because you know that making such links helps your brain remember.
• You know that there is effectively no limit on how much information your brain can absorb.
• You believe that you can make learning more enjoyable by making up stories, jokes and weird mnemonics to help you remember.
• You know that learning success is your responsibility - not your teachers'. After all, some students pass their exams without going to school at all; some adults get degrees with the Open University by studying at home.

Can you think of other useful attitudes?

Concentration. Now and again your focus will wander. When you are aware of this, just say to yourself, "Be here now", and refocus your attention. Of course, you could swear at yourself, *@&$*** concentrate!!!. Do what it takes to get you back on track. Even take a quick break to stretch and breath.

Distractions

Television. You can't learn properly if the TV is on in the same room. You might think you can, but the fact is that your brain is jumping between your work and the TV. It has no choice! Just because you're used to it doesn't mean that it's OK.

Music. Don't play loud music or music with lyrics - same reasons as for TV. Your brain will jump around paying attention first to this great sound, then the lyrics, then the learning. Gentle background music can be OK. Experiment.

A learning place. Choose a place where you will not be distracted, where you can choose what noise there is (music, for example) and you can be comfortable. Make sure the room is well ventilated and cool. A warm, stuffy atmosphere sends most people to sleep. Replace existing lights with natural lighting - it may cost more, but it's much healthier and will help you relax and concentrate. Use natural light as much as possible, rather than pulling the curtains and putting the light on.

Using computers. Learning software is getting better - MyMaths and SamLearning are OK, but don't do too much. Vary what you do. Use computer, text-book, revise guide, your own notes, all in the same learning session.

People. Tell your family that you want to be left alone until you finish your work. If you work at a regular time each evening, tell your friends not to call during this time.

Brain music

What on earth is brain music? Since back in the 1960s, there's been a lot of research that shows that certain kinds of music really improves learning and memory performance. The kind of music has a soft, regular beat - around 60 beats per minute. It seems that it 'fits' well with brain-waves and helps the brain get into its own state of concentration and focus. Classical Baroque music is great. Music by composers Bach and Vivaldi are often used. Check them out. The point is that the best music is that which you don't have to think about - it's just there in the background.

Food and drink

The best preparation for learning is a non-stimulant drink (not coffee) and a light, low-sugar snack.

If you work after a big meal, you're making things really hard for yourself. The body will put its main energies into digesting your meal, not into your brain. If you eat a sugary snack, you will suffer sugar-shock - a feeling of high energy followed by a crash. Give your brain a break! Always have a drink nearby - not necessarily water, but not too strong or sugary - diluted fruit juice is good.

Attitude at school

Is it easy for you to learn during class at school? Most of my students say that they find it difficult; there are so many distractions, teachers are often off sick (stressed?), discipline is poor, other pupils talk to you, there isn't enough time, the lessons are boring, etc, etc.

Here are some tips:

Attitude: come prepared to learn; get annoyed if anything stops you from learning during class.

Preparation: if you know what topics you will be covering, do a quick review of what you already know, so that you can get into the subject quickly.

Distractions: if you're friends distract you, tell them you'll talk after lessons. I know this might not be easy, but try it!

Focus: just focus on what the teacher's trying to say and on how you can make sensible notes. Don't pay attention to other students. Make a note when you are confused or not sure of something, so that you can ask questions later. Just putting a questions mark is good enough. Imagine the teacher is talking to you, personally. Focus on what is being said, not how it's being said.

Position: sit towards the front - you're less likely to fall asleep if the topic is boring, more likely to hear the teacher, less likely to get distracted by students who are not so bothered about learning.

Ask questions: pretty obvious, really although many students prefer to wait until a break in the lesson, or afterwards. This is OK if you have a detailed question, but if you just want a quick answer, ask straight away.

Notes: make your notes using a combination of regular sentences, abbreviations, diagrams, spider diagrams, colours and shapes. Your notes will be more memorable. Have a look at this website on taking great notes

Review: make plans to review your notes later the same day and perhaps write up a 'neat' copy.

[-> next, look at what holds you back in - Gremlins]

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