Tips for Focus During Zoom Classes
Virtual learning is challenging for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that it can be harder to focus on a computer screen all day when you’re not even in the same building as your teacher. I have many students, both folks with ADHD and neurotypical folks, that are struggling to focus during Zoom lessons. Here are some tips that can help everyone, whether it’s students who need to focus in class or grown ups who need to pay attention to an important meeting.
Practice noticing when your attention is wavering. This can be regular check ins with yourself, like every five minutes, or noticing signs like missing something the teacher said. Pay extra careful attention to your focus when you’re doing more than one things at a time, like taking notes while also listening to the teacher.
Figure out your strengths and take advantage of them. Do you focus better in the morning? Pay extra attention to your focus during afternoon classes. Do you focus better after lunch? Make sure you have a good breakfast to keep your brain sharp in the morning as well. Do you finish your homework more efficiently if you do it as soon as school is over, or if you take a break for a few hours and come back to it later?
Make use of movement. Figure out which fidget tools are most helpful without being distracting. If your microphone is muted, you have many more options for fidgets that won’t disrupt the class. Make sure your fidget is not distracting you from class; the perfect fidget helps you focus better. When you have breaks during or between classes, try to get up and walk around. It will help you reset for the next class. (The Simpl Dimpl is probably my favorite fidget tool; I even use it when I’m teaching!)
This tip isn’t necessarily about focus, but often goes along with focus challenges: Don’t trust short term memory. Ever. If you get an assignment, write it down in your planner or planner app. Write down every single detail you will need. Don’t assume you will remember it. Similarly, check your planner regularly. Don’t assume you have nothing to do because you don’t remember having an assignment.
What helps you focus? Comment below or email robinsatty@stemsmartconsulting.com.
