With the transition to online instruction, you may not have an environment at home that is conducive to effective studying or is a ‘reduced distraction’ environment. This mean it may be difficult to concentrate and not be distracted, or complete assignments  or tests uninterrupted.

Student support staff from schools around the country recognize this is problematic – especially for students who have the accommodation of a “distraction-reduced” environment. The University of North Texas Health Science Center, prepared a tip sheet for students. (A Word document of the tips from UNT is available at the end.)

Study Tips for Reducing Distractions

• Set up an ideal study environment. Study in a location that minimizes both visual and auditory distractions. Try to find a location that you cannot see others moving around and is located in a quiet space.
• Remove unnecessary items from your study space that are not needed for studying.
• Use noise-cancelling headphones or listen to white noise to reduce auditory distractions. Or try using earplugs.
• Remove electronic distractions. Turn your phone on silent and put it where you cannot see the screen. Turn off notifications on your laptop.
• Take timed breaks. Know your threshold for focus. When you start losing focus frequently, take a timed break. This will help to remind you to return to your studying.
• Reduce internal recurring thoughts. Keep a post-it note or piece of paper to write down your thoughts so you don’t forget them. You can take care of the items on your timed break or when finished studying.
• Do not cram. Set a schedule to review material in a timely manner. List out specific goals/a study plan – even hour-by-hour, and use timers to try to stay on track.
• Move around while studying. Get up and use the whiteboard or change positions often.
• Chewing gum is sometimes helpful for focus, and having a stress ball or other fidget can help when you start to feel restless.
• Some students find sitting on an exercise ball while studying helpful with focus as well.
• Use mind mapping to help organize your thoughts and create a visual representation of the information.
• Chunk the information. If you have a lecture to learn of review, approach the information in chunks instead of trying to learn all the information at one time. It can be helpful to organize the information by learning objectives.
• Use highlighting or paraphrasing information as you read it.

More Tips

If you are receiving  testing accommodations, perhaps the disability service provider would consider some of these modifications to your accommodation.

• Allowing some additional time  to complete the test, beyond any time extensions already in place
• Allowing  you, the student, to take the test at a different time, when distractions may be lessened (such as after a child has gone to bed)

If your school is using a remote proctoring service:

• Relaxing testing requirements due to remote proctoring services, such as any penalty for leaving the area, looking away from the screen, etc.
• Providing accommodated remote proctoring that is separate from the remote proctoring service for the rest of the class, and that has greater flexibility.

UNT Distraction Tips 2020-03-20