The Best Ways to Pay Attention & Focus During Class

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Effective habits to help you become the best student you can be
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You want to learn, you want to listen to your teacher, and you want to absorb all of that information in class—but it's just so boring! It can be hard to focus on a lecture when your mind wanders, but with a few mental and physical tricks, you can pay attention in class. In this article, we’ve laid out all the proven tips and tricks to stay focused in class. So, what are you waiting for? Start reading!

How to Focus in Class

  1. Put your phone away or in your locker before class.
  2. Sit in the front of the class to limit distractions.
  3. Look over your notes or workbook before class starts.
  4. Take notes during the lesson to stay engaged and absorb information.
  5. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night to boost your memory and focus.
  6. Move your body before and between classes to calm and focus your brain.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Changing Your Habits to Focus in Class

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  1. One of the easiest things you can do to help yourself concentrate in class is to avoid distractions that keep you from focusing. Try to be more aware of what you’re doing when you stop paying attention. Maybe you’re scrolling on your phone or fidgeting with a pencil. Either way, put the distracting item away so you’re not tempted to focus on it. [1]
    • Distractions could be a computer, a phone, small items you can play with, fidgets, or something around you, like a friend or a window.
    • Physical removal is the best way to deal with a distraction. So, for example, if you know a classmate is distracting you, try sitting somewhere else. If you have a habit of using your phone, keep it in your locker.
  2. Being in the right mindset before class can help you pay attention. Before class starts, try looking over your homework, reading from your textbook, or reviewing the previous day's notes. This can get your brain into “class mode,” making it easier to focus. [2]
    • Setting up your desk or workspace before class can also help you focus. Make sure you have everything you need for the lesson before it starts, like a pencil and notebook.
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  3. If you’re having a hard time focusing, try changing where you sit. A new space and environment can help you focus more on the lesson, especially if your old spot was full of distractions. So, opt for a seat in the front to keep an eye on the teacher and board. [3]
    • Studies show that students who sit in the front of a classroom have better grades on average. [4]
    • While sitting with your friends is fun, try to distance yourself from them if you’re tempted to talk with them during the lesson.
  4. Participate in class . Contributing to a lesson, asking questions, or answering the teacher’s questions can help you stay engaged. Plus, it can help keep your mind from drifting off. Pay attention to the board and what the teacher is saying, and raise your hand if you have any questions. [5]
    • Participation also signals to the teacher that you’re doing your best to pay attention and learn.
  5. Take notes during class. Writing down important parts of the lesson can help you focus on what the teacher is saying. Plus, you can use these notes later to study and ace your next test! As your teacher talks, make an outline with a few side notes on the really complex topics. [6]
    • Try using different colored pens or pencils to color-code your notes based on importance or subject.
    • Use a highlighter to make important words and phrases stand out.
  6. Not paying attention in class is essentially just a bad habit, and just like any other habit, you can break it by replacing it with other habits. Create a routine where you balance school work and having fun, and stick to it. This can train your brain to pay attention when it matters most. [7]
    • For instance, develop a habit of not talking to your friends during class but spending time together between classes and at lunch to chat.
    • Keep yourself on track by using a planner, scheduling when you’ll spend time working on school work and doing more fun activities.
  7. Sometimes, you can lose focus in class because you don’t understand what your teacher says—this is normal! Putting in a little extra work and researching topics you may not understand completely can help you be more engaged with the lesson.
    • For example, if you’re struggling with math, try using websites like Math is Fun and Wolfram Alpha for extra help.
    • Similarly, you might also want to reorganize or summarize your notes after class. This can help you find material you want to research further and help you process what you learned.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Adjusting Your Thought Patterns in Class

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  1. To pay attention in class, do your best to avoid daydreaming . Keep your attention on what’s happening around you right now—what’s the teacher writing or saying? Save thoughts about things outside of the classroom for later. [8]
    • Teach yourself to manually refocus your attention. If you catch your mind wandering, think back to the lesson. Try saying back everything your teacher says in your head. [9]
  2. When you’re more motivated, it’s easier to stay focused. Educational consultant Alexander Ruiz recommends making your own motivation if the class doesn’t motivate you already. [10] There are lots of ways to make yourself motivated and interested in learning, such as: [11]
    • Finding something you relate to personally in the lesson.
    • Discovering a fun or interesting fact you didn’t know before.
    • Narrowing down on a part of the lesson that fascinates you.
    • Putting yourself in a time and place of history.
    • Connecting how what you’re learning can help you today.
    • Setting small, achievable goals . [12]
    • Rewarding yourself after you’ve completed a task or assignment.
  3. Paying attention takes practice, so don’t be too hard on yourself! The more you work at it, the easier it’ll be. Try practicing your concentration during and outside of class to help improve your habits. [13]
    • A great way to practice concentration is meditation . Sit and try to empty your mind while focusing only on one simple thing, like breathing in and out from your nose.
  4. Everyone learns in different ways! The way your teacher teaches may not be the best way for you, or there may be ways to make class more accessible for you. Set aside time to talk to your teacher if you’re having trouble focusing. They can offer advice and personalized solutions to help improve your focus. [14]
    • Try making customized lessons or assignments that are more interesting for you to learn. Ask your teacher for extra credit or side projects that could help you learn the same lessons in a way that works better for you.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Body to Focus Better

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  1. Sleep is incredibly important for staying focused. If you stay up too much or don’t get enough restful sleep, it can be tough to stay awake and focused during class. So, adjust your sleep schedule to ensure you’re well-rested for school and classes the next day. [15]
    • Improve your sleep schedule by: [16]
      • Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
      • Not sleeping in on the weekends.
      • Avoiding bright screens 1 to 2 hours before bed.
      • Not eating big meals or snacks before bed.
    • Doctors recommend 6 to 12-year-olds to get 9 to 12 hours of sleep and 13 to 18-year-olds to get between 8 and 10 hours. [17]
  2. Eat a healthy diet to improve your focus. If you don’t have a healthy diet, you can miss out on essential nutrients that can help you stay more focused and concentrate better. To boost your brainpower, focus on eating these foods: [18]
    • Green, leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, and broccoli)
    • Fatty fish (salmon, cod, and tuna)
    • Berries (strawberries and blueberries)
    • Nuts (walnuts, almonds, and pistachios) [19]
  3. Drink plenty of water . Your body needs lots of water to function properly. When you don’t drink enough, you can get headaches, which can make it harder to focus. How much is enough will depend on your particular body; everyone is different. However, looking at your pee is a good way to gauge if you’re drinking enough water. If it’s pale, you’re drinking enough. If it’s dark, bring on the hydration. [20]
    • Caffeine and sugary drinks can enhance problems with concentration, so do your best to drink water whenever you can and avoid excessive amounts of coffee, juice, and soda.
  4. Exercise to relieve tension. Believe it or not, moving your body can help improve concentration and make it easier to focus in class. If you feel antsy in class, try to get some physical activity between classes or during your breaks. This can help calm down your body and brain, making it easier to pay attention. [21]
    • Try jumping up and down or running in place.
    • Regular exercise can also help you release bottled-up energy, so make sure you’re doing enough physical activity each day—experts recommend 60 minutes a day. [22]
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Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
1
Study For Exams
2
Study So You Can Remember Everything
3
Make a Study Space
4
Create Good Study Habits for Exams
5
Learn Without Forgetting
6
Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What do I do if I don't understand what my teacher is talking about?
    César de León, M.Ed.
    Educational Leadership Consultant
    César de León is an Educational Leadership Consultant and currently serves as an Assistant Principal for the Austin Independent School District in Austin, TX. César specializes in education program development, curriculum improvement, student mentorship, social justice, equity leadership, and family and community engagement. He is passionate about eradicating inequities in schools for all children, especially those who have been historically underserved and marginalized. César holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Biology from Texas State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas at Austin.
    César de León, M.Ed.
    Educational Leadership Consultant
    Expert Answer
    If you're not understanding the material that's being presented, and your notes don't make sense, talk to your teacher and ask for extra assistance. Teachers have something that they usually call tutoring or study hall before or after school This is when you, the student, can show up and receive extra assistance in the specific subject.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 50
  • Question
    How do I keep other thoughts away from my mind when I'm trying to focus?
    Emily Listmann, MA
    Academic Tutor and Life Coach
    Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools.
    Emily Listmann, MA
    Academic Tutor and Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Meditation can help a lot to calm your mind and thoughts. Try sitting down for 5-10 minutes before the beginning of the school day or before each class, if you can, to meditate.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 44
  • Question
    How can I focus when I'm thinking about my crush?
    Emily Listmann, MA
    Academic Tutor and Life Coach
    Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools.
    Emily Listmann, MA
    Academic Tutor and Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Ask a friend to lightly tap you on the shoulder at various times throughout class to remind you to focus on class and stop thinking about that special someone. You can also try visualizing the front door to class as a waterfall that washes away your distracted thoughts as you walk into class. This can help you start out more focused and make it easier to maintain your focus throughout the class.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • If you’re allowed to chew gum in class, try chewing peppermint-flavored gum to help you stay focused. [23]
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      • Still having trouble concentrating even after trying these tips? Consider talking to a doctor about possible learning disabilities, like ADHD or dyslexia, that may make it harder to focus. [24]
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Put a small toy or reward in front of you. Tell yourself you can only have it once you complete your work. You could even ask a friend to hold onto it until you're finished so you don't take it early.
      • When you are studying for something, chew gum and listen to instrumental music because it can help you pay more attention. Also, try to take breaks every 20 minutes to stand up and stretch.
      • Tie a hairband around your wrist and snap it against your arm whenever you catch yourself not paying attention. That way you can start focusing again.
      • If you can choose your seats in class, sit near good students who pay attention instead of annoying classmates or friends.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/technology-and-student-distraction
      2. ↑ https://education.wm.edu/centers/ttac/documents/packets/adhd.pdf
      3. ↑ https://education.wm.edu/centers/ttac/documents/packets/adhd.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7406012/
      5. ↑ https://effectiveu.umn.edu/tips/class-participation
      6. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
      7. ↑ https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/why-your-child-cant-pay-attention/#12-ways-you-can-help-your-childs-attention-and-focus
      8. ↑ https://schools.au.reachout.com/articles/mindfulness-in-the-classroom
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/brief-mindfulness-training-may-boost-test-scores-working-memory.html
      1. ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
      2. ↑ https://hbr.org/2017/07/how-to-get-excited-about-topics-that-bore-you
      3. ↑ https://www.acc.edu.au/blog/why-your-child-cant-pay-attention/#12-ways-you-can-help-your-childs-attention-and-focus
      4. ↑ https://usm.maine.edu/learning-commons/paying-attention/
      5. ↑ https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/technology-and-student-distraction
      6. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/teens-and-sleep
      7. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/getting-better-sleep.htm
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898
      9. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower
      10. ↑ https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/best-food-for-a-healthy-brain
      11. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/study-finds-inadequate-hydration-among-u-s-children/
      12. ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/exercise-and-brain-how-fitness-impacts-learning1801.html
      13. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm
      14. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31125164/
      15. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4865-learning-disabilities-what-you-need-to-know

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To pay attention in class, put away distractions like your computer, phone, and any small items you can fiddle with. Try to stay focused on the present lesson and manually refocus your attention whenever your mind starts to wander. Participate in class discussions and take good notes to help you stay engaged in the lesson, and consider talking to your teacher after class if you're still having trouble focusing on the material. For tips on keeping your body and mind sharp for class each day, read on!

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