HOW DO SOUNDS AFFECT MY ABILITY TO CONCENTRATE

3. How do sounds affect my ability to concentrate? Do I prefer silence? Does music enhance myconcentration?Some people need relative quiet in order to study because most noises distract them. If you are oneof these people, you know it by now, and you have a repertoire of strategies that help you achieve thelevel of silence you need. Earplugs can be a real blessing. Make sure your study place and time canaccommodate your need for quiet.

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S T U D Y S K I L L S

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Maybe you do not mind a little noise; perhaps you even like music playing in the background whileyou study. Research has shown that the music of Mozart enhances math performance. Similar resultshave not been shown for other kinds of music, but if you have music that you know helps you relaxand focus, then make sure that music is on hand when you study. If you have never tried studying toclassical music, especially Mozart, now is a good time to try. If you do not think it enhances your con-centration, then go back to techniques you already know work for you. The important thing is to beaware of the effect sound has on your ability to concentrate. It does not do any good to sit in front ofthe books and sing along with your favorite CD.