You're dealing with at least two key factors here, namely the
approach that you take to the subjects that you're studying and
your study habits. Study habits are probably easier to deal with,
so let's look at that first.
The longest single period of time you're likely to be able to focus
on something is about 40 minutes, but let's start with 20. If you
don't have a watch with a countdown timer, try getting your hands
on one. Set the timer to 20 minutes, and once you hit the start
button, get down to work. When the timer goes off after 20 minutes,
take a 5-minute break and get back to work.
The idea behind using the timer is that you don't want to get
distracted watching the clock - instead, you need to focus on
whatevere you're doing. At the start, even 20 minutes will seem
like a challenge and you'll find your attention wandering, but just
stick to what you're doing. Once you get used to it, that 20
minutes will seem pretty easy. Move up to 30 minutes with
7.5-minute breaks, and later to 40 minutes with 10-minute
breaks.
Don't expect immediate success with this, but stick with it and
after a while you'll develop the habit.
The other part's a bit tougher. Let's face it - you can't really
expect to have an interest in what you're studying if none of the
material has any personal relevance to you. The trick is to take
what you're studying and have a bit of fun putting things in your
own terms. At Sec 4, I absolutely hated literature, but my way
around it was to turn it into a game - for example, one of my
classmates and I made up a Bronx version of Julius Caesar: "Brutus!
You rat! You dirty stinking low-down scumbag! After all I've done
for you, you stab me in the back?".
Ah well, you had to be there - it was good for a chuckle. My point
is that instead of trying to memorise everything by rote, turn it
into a form that means something to you.
