Feedback Focus

(Cat Focus Meme. Image source: Created by me on Cheezburger)

1. Reading out loud.

I found this technique to be really helpful as it helped me to focus much better on my book. Whenever I was reading Narayan’s version of the Ramayana, I took pictures of the book on my phone so that I would have it everywhere I went. This, however, caused me to often lose my place in the book since I did not have a physical copy in my hand and therefore I could not mark the place I left off at. Also whenever I did try to read where I had left off, I often times would end up rereading a part only to realize that I had done so when it was too late. By reading the story out loud, I was able to remember exactly where I left off. It also helped me to not get tired or bored while I was reading.

2. Copy-and-Delete.

This technique made the story seem to be much shorter than it was. Since this technique calls for deleting the paragraph that the comment was made on it made the story seem shorter. It felt as if I was crossing off the tasks I had completed. It also made it really simply to know what I had read since I made short comments along the way. This is similar to rewriting your notes for a class after you’ve written them in class.

3. Use a Timer

The timer was a great use in helping me focus. During the time allotted for each story I was able to solely focus on the task at hand without giving in to any distractions. It was like I was in a race against time. In my spare time I had the opportunity to go back and reread the parts that I found confusing the first time around.


Overall Thoughts

While all these strategies were very helpful individually, I would have to say that if I had to rank them from most useful to the least, I would go from the first one being the “reading out loud” tip, the second being the “Use a Timer” tip, and the last being the “Copy-and-Delete” tip. For me, the areas in which I have the most difficulty with when reading a story is: staying awake while reading it and reading it in an efficient and timely manner. With the first tip, since I am reading it aloud, I am able to make sure that I stay awake. With the third tip, I am able to set a certain time frame for me to finish a task which will help me to stay on task.