| Focus is the collective we will be using to describe the skills and attributes related to concentration and attention. Having the ability to concentrate on learning is one of the most important factors in ensuring that a student is successful. the more you can focus and pay attention the more that you learn or take in. This also increases enthusiasm as when attention waves boredom can set in and students can get easily distracted. We want students to achieve their best outcomes but focusing on those distractions so that they can be addressed and supported is really important. Two main factors influence how focused a student is on their work: Internal factors are the things that happen in the mind and body of the student which affect their ability to concentrate and engage. These include but are not limited to: - Hunger - Boredom - Passion - Self-esteem - Emotional state External factors are the things that are outside of the student which affect their ability to focus. These can be elements of the environment or study space, societal pressure and expectations from others. The important thing to know about internal and external factors is that one is under the control of the student and the other is out of their control. Students with additional needs who had difficulties with emotional regulation, personal organisation and executive functioning might find it even more difficult to manage internal factors than those students without the additional need. Equally students with an additional need may find the sensory environment overwhelming. It is always good to review which factors play a role in determining how focused a student is on their work. Some students find that external factors really push them to work hard and focus. Others may find that their internal motivations give them the push they need to concentrate on their studies. For most students, a combination of both is key to success. Use the concentration questionnaire to see how many things are affecting focus right now: - 📄 Primary Students - 📄 Secondary Students |