In a world filled with distractions, getting students to focus in class can feel like an uphill battle. I see it everyday.  The classroom isn’t just where they sit and listen; it’s where learning happens and where your time should be maximized. If students can make the most of their time in class, their grades will improve, and they’ll feel less overwhelmed when it’s time to study.

Here are three actionable strategies to help your student stay focused in class, take better notes, and retain more of what they learn.

1. Use the “SMART” Note-Taking Method

Many students go into class expecting to take down every word their professor says, which leads to frustration when they can’t keep up. The SMART method (Summary, Meaning, Action, Research, Timeline) helps them focus on what matters most:

• Summary: Instead of writing everything verbatim, jot down key takeaways or the professor’s main point for each section.
• Meaning: Add notes about what the concept means in their own words.
• Action: Note any actions they need to take, like assignments or follow-up research.  Don’t kid yourself.  You won’t remember.
• Research: Flag areas they don’t fully understand so they can research or ask about them later.
• Timeline: Link what they’re learning to their overall course timeline—what’s needed for the next quiz, exam, or paper.

By focusing on what’s important, the SMART method saves time, reduces stress, and helps them absorb more material.

2. Leverage Active Listening to Stay Engaged

Staying focused for a 60- or 90-minute lecture isn’t easy—especially when phones are buzzing and laptops offer a world of distractions. Active listening is a skill that helps students stay present in the moment and absorb information effectively. Here’s how you can practice it:

• Be present: Put your phone on airplane mode during class. Removing the temptation is a huge first step.
• Engage mentally: Focus on connecting ideas as they’re being discussed. When you think critically about how one concept links to another, you’re more likely to stay engaged.
• Respond mentally: Respond to what’s being said, by asking yourself, "How does this fit into what I already know?" or "What does this mean for my upcoming assignment?"

These techniques will keep your mind active, reduce boredom, and help you retain more information during lectures.

3. The Power of “Pre-Reading”

Here’s a strategy that can transform the way you interact with classroom material: pre-reading. If they skim through the material before class—even just for 15 minutes—it’s like priming your brain for the main event. They’ll feel more familiar with the content, making it easier to follow the lecture and take better notes.

• Build context: Pre-reading gives you a mental map of the topic. When you see familiar terms or concepts in class, it clicks faster.
• Identify key themes: Pre-reading helps students anticipate what’s important and what’s likely to be emphasized by the professor.
• Boost confidence: Going into class with a bit of background knowledge means they’re less likely to feel lost or overwhelmed.

Wrapping Up

College students often feel like they’re drowning in information, but with the right strategies, they can manage their time better in class and absorb more. Talk to your student about implementing these strategies—SMART note-taking, active listening, and pre-reading. These tips will not only help them stay on track but also reduce the amount of study time needed later, giving them more room for that balanced life we all want for them.