How to Stay Focused During a Lecture

If you’re a well-practiced student, you probably have your own system and set of practices for doing that job. Taking notes, studying, preparing projects, taking exams ... you know what works for you, right?

It turns out, it’s pretty easy to develop a false sense of security in our own systems to the point that they might not actually be helping you do the real work of being a student. This week on the show, we offer the timeline for effective study habits — originated at the University of Arkansas — a simple, straight-forward process to help you learn to study effectively and deliver the results you want.

Links & Notes

• Timeline for Effective Study Habits (PDF)
• Anki Flashcards
• Quizlet

Notetaking

I know, these are both iPad Pro focused, but I encourage you to watch them for process, not technology, if you’re thinking about how to engage in material.

• 🎥 Samuel Suresh: “How I Take Notes with My iPad Pro in Lectures”
• 🎥 Ali Abdaal: “How I take notes on my iPad Pro in medical school”

Zettlecasten

If you’re not on the market for a new note-taking system, do not click on these links. There be monsters! If you’re embarking on any sort of research — and you have fun with this kind of stuff — you might just find Zettlekasten and some of the software tools that enable it really exciting.

• 🎥 Shu Omi: “Zettlekasten Note-taking Method: Simply Explained”
• 🎥 Shu Omi: “How to take Smart Notes in Roam Research”
• 🎥 Curtis McHale: “Getting Started with a Zettlecasten System”
• 🎥 Curtis McHale: “What Makes a Good Zettlekasten Note”
• 👨‍💻 Roam Research
• 👨‍💻 Obsidian

• (00:00) - Welcome to The ADHD Podcast
• (02:55) - Support the Show: Become a Patron!
• (04:41) - The Timeline for Effective Study Habits
• (06:34) - Before Class
• (09:58) - During Class
• (12:30) - One Note-taking Strategy: Zettlekasten
• (17:16) - During Class... some more
• (21:04) - After Class
• (24:04) - The Exam

🎓 College Coaching for ADHD Students is Now Enrolling!

Starting college with ADHD? Don’t go it alone. At Take Control ADHD, we offer two personalized coaching options to help students thrive both academically and emotionally. The Roadmap Planning Package includes two pre-semester strategy sessions to build custom calendars, break down big assignments, and create ADHD-friendly systems for success. For ongoing support, our Weekly Coaching Package offers one-on-one accountability throughout the semester to stay focused, flexible, and in control.

Learn more and find the right fit at https://takecontroladhd.com/college.