Ways to improve learning

[Silvan]

Hi all.
I'm in the middle of a programming course and the pace has proven too fast for me. I've fallen far behind and I decided to take a break and start the current module from the beginning with the next group.
However, I need to revise the way I study. I've been diagnosed with ADHD and indeed it shows in daily life. I can focus my attention on one thing for a few seconds, then my mind is bound to start jumping from thought to thought until I lose concentration altogether.
I would be grateful for any tips regarding learning. How do I focus? Should I make some kind of plan or schedule or write down goals?
Thank you and take care
xx Sue

[Arabesque- golfing girl.]

Hi Sue,

I am so sorry that you are having a hard time with this and I hope that you will be okay soon. Would you be able to try talking with the teacher when you start the classes to see if they would be able to give you extra time on the assignments and also try looking into a study group because everyone in the group is able to help each other and you will be able to go slowly if you need to. Also try to do one assignment at a time and then if you need to take a few minutes away try that and then try another one if you can. You can make a list of what one's you would like to get started with first and see if that helps. If you are having a hard time with that one, put it aside and try a different one and try not to get upset and stressed. The one that is harder ask for help from others in the classes and the teachers. I wish you the best with them and hope that you will be able to enjoy them.

Hey Sue, thanks for reaching out! I know what it's like to have ADHD and struggle with concentration, especially when it comes to important tasks. I'm sorry to hear that you had to drop the courses for this semester and hopefully you'll get the appropriate support needed for next semester. In the meantime, I would suggest making a schedule and goals for your day-to-day living.

You can categorize them if you choose to do so, but recognize it if it's not going to be helpful for you. Also, set up goals that are easily attainable and schedule tasks on a more broader spectrum such as a whole day or a segment of a day instead of an exact time.

I think planning beyond goals and tasks might be helpful as well. Create a on-going grocery list, for example. I find this helps me be better prepared and knowing that I can jot something new down when it comes to mind, as opposed to trying to sit down and come up with the full grocery list on the spot.

I would suggest, a week or two before the new semester starts, reaching out to the department head and let them know you'll need extra accommodations with your classes. Be clear with what you need and what you expect of them, so they're able to provide you with everything to help you succeed.

Wishing you the best of luck!

[Silvan]

Thanks for your replies. Today I'll try to sketch out some learning plan. I'll let you know how it goes

Good luck, keep us updated.

[Arabesque- golfing girl.]

I wish you the best with this Sue.

[Silvan]

This is my rough sketch of a study plan. It's the first time I've been doing something like this.

SHORT-TERM GOALS

• Finish responsive web design on my webpage by Tuesday
• Take part in a Tuesday quiz
• Finish the extra exercise by Wednesday
• Spend 5h studying on Tuesday and Wednesday each
• Weekend: read 2 chapters per day

LONG-TERM GOALS

• Land an internship by April (have a portfolio set up by January and start looking for an internship by February)
• Land a job by September (have the portfolio perfected by July, look for a job in August)

Additional notes

• Use a Pomodoro timer while studying
• Switch off social media
• Rewards between study sessions

That looks good so far! Wishing you the best of luck.

[BrianL]

Thanks for sharing. I always have difficulty in learning