occupied lectures - 7 countermeasures you can implement
Written by Hannes Wagner on May 20, 2021
Lectures can often be dull and unengaging, but they don't have to be a waste of time. Here are seven practical ideas to help you make the most out of even the most boring lectures.
Prepare Before the Lecture
Review the lecture topic, skim relevant materials, and write down questions to keep yourself engaged. This proactive approach will help you stay focused and make the most of the lecture.
Active Note-taking
Instead of passively listening, take structured notes using methods like Cornell notes or mind maps. This active approach to note-taking can improve your retention and understanding of the lecture material.
Participate
Ask questions, join discussions, or use digital tools like live polls if available. Participation not only keeps you engaged but also helps you understand the material better.
Break Lectures into Chunks
If allowed, take short breaks or use micro-breaks to refresh your concentration. This can help you stay focused and prevent boredom from setting in.
Use Productive Tech Tools
Websites or apps recommended by platforms like STUWO can help you organize notes, manage your schedule, or focus better during lectures.
Form Study Groups
Connect with peers from your dorm or student association to discuss lecture topics. This makes learning more engaging and helps you understand the material better.
Link Lecture Content to Your Interests or Future Career Goals
This helps maintain your motivation and makes the lecture more relevant to you.
Play Lecture Bingo
If you find yourself in an unbearably boring but relevant lecture, playing Lecture Bingo can help pass the time. Also known as Bullshit Bingo, this game involves playing with fellow students during a lecture. Each player arranges terms like in Bingo on a piece of paper and makes a cross when the term is used. The first player to complete a row wins.
Counting Games
Counting games with a seat neighbor can also help pass the time during a lecture. This simple activity can help you stay focused and make the time go by faster.
Organize Data
Organizing data can help manage files on multiple devices, making it easier to find and use the information you need.
Make Daily Tasks Manageable
Planning shopping, meals, and cleaning can help manage daily tasks and save money. This can be done during a lecture, as it requires little mental effort.
Leverage Social Connections
Since STUWO is also involved in student housing and community building, leveraging social connections formed through their services can aid academic productivity indirectly by enabling study groups or peer support.
For more direct actionable tips, checking STUWO’s official website or social media channels could provide student-focused productivity resources. One TikTok video by STUWO Student mentions beneficial websites that help students be more productive, which might include study aids or organizational tools.
The STUWO Blog provides new topics and useful information for student life, so be sure to check it out for more tips and advice.
- Cultivating an engaging lifestyle in your home-and-garden setting can enhance focus during lectures. Organizing your living space according to the Marie Kondo method, for example, might create a clutter-free environment that promotes concentration.
- To make the most of home-and-garden downtime, consider integrating productivity hacks into your lifestyle. For instance, converting a neglected corner into a mini-study nook could help transform mundane tasks into productive moments.
