How to Stay Focused in Class When You Have ADHD

Did you know? Research suggests that up to 70% of students with ADHD find it challenging to stay focused in class due to factors like restlessness, impulsiveness, or simply zoning out. However, with mindful strategies and the right tools—like Lecturely—you can take back control of your learning process.

1. Leverage Visual Planning

• Create Visual Routines: Students with ADHD often respond well to visual cues. Design a colorful “Daily Routine” template on Canva—incorporating elements like icons, color-coded tasks, and short reminders.
• Import Into Lecturely: Once your design is ready, import this template into Lecturely as your custom planner for the semester. You’ll keep all your tasks, reminders, and notes in one place, minimizing distractions.

2. Use Active Note-Taking Methods

• Record Lectures Hands-Free: The Lecturely app makes recording lectures simple—just hit record, and let Lecturely transcribe everything in the background.
• Highlight Key Points: After class, Lecturely’s AI can help you filter out key points from your transcriptions, creating concise study notes that keep you focused and organized.

3. Break Tasks Into Small Chunks

• Short Study Sprints: Studying in short bursts (e.g., 15-20 minutes) helps keep ADHD brains engaged.
• AI-Generated Flashcards: Let Lecturely auto-generate flashcards. You can review complex topics one card at a time, making it much less overwhelming.

4. Don’t Forget to Take Breaks

• Mindful Pauses: Insert break reminders in your Lecturely planner. Even a quick walk around the block can help reset your focus and energy.
• Reward Yourself: Gamify your study routine. After completing a set of flashcards or a segment of a lecture, treat yourself to something you enjoy.

Final Thoughts: ADHD doesn’t have to limit your academic success. By pairing visual routine planning with Lecturely’s AI-powered note-taking, you can tackle distractions and shine in your studies.