7 tips to connect with students and improve attention span
Chandni Sehgal
September 9, 2024
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4 min read
Humans now have an attention span shorter than that of a goldfish was splattered across headlines for years. You probably even believe it as you absentmindedly scroll through Instagram while you are supposed to be working — but turns out it isn’t really based on solid scientific evidence. Despite these claims, many teachers have successfully kept students focused and engaged in both online and offline settings. However, the challenge of improving attention span remains a priority for educators who want to maximize their impact. Here are seven strategies to improve both attention span and student engagement.
The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, is an effective teaching technique that divides the workday into 25-minute chunks with five-minute breaks between each. These intervals are called a "Pomodoro," and after four Pomodoros, you earn a longer break of 20 minutes. Knowing there is an end in sight can make paying attention seem less annoying.
This method is particularly useful for online classroom management. In virtual settings, where distractions are more prevalent, students often struggle to maintain their focus for extended periods. The Pomodoro Technique creates a sense of urgency and purpose, fostering an environment of focused learning. It also allows educators to plan lessons in concise, manageable segments, keeping learners engaged.
To apply this method effectively, consider setting specific tasks or goals for each Pomodoro session. For example, assign reading materials, problem sets, or interactive activities that can be completed within the 25-minute window. This structured approach helps students build a rhythm, making it easier to stay attentive throughout the lesson.
Why does your student remember every character in Game of Thrones but struggle with history lessons? Because GOT is told like a story. Storytelling is a proven educational technology tool that captures attention and enhances retention. According to Dr. Diann Moorman from the University of Georgia, storytelling is an enduring form of communication that helps learners remember information better than traditional methods.
Incorporating storytelling into your lessons can significantly improve both attention span and student engagement. You can start by transforming dry facts into compelling narratives that involve relatable characters, conflicts, and resolutions. For instance, when teaching a historical event, narrate it from the perspective of a person who lived during that time, detailing their experiences and emotions. Use vivid imagery and descriptions to paint a picture in the students' minds.
Storytelling is not limited to history; it can be applied across subjects. In science, you can describe the journey of a water molecule through the water cycle as an adventure story. In math, use stories that involve problem-solving in real-life scenarios. When students are emotionally invested in the narrative, they are more likely to remember the lesson and stay engaged.
Encouraging students to participate in brain-training activities such as crosswords, Sudoku, or even a daily Wordle puzzle can help enhance short-term memory, processing, and problem-solving skills. These activities are essential student engagement strategies that can help students of all ages stay sharp and focused.
Brain training exercises stimulate different areas of the brain, enhancing cognitive flexibility, attention, and executive functioning skills. Incorporating these exercises into your lesson plans can be a fun and effective way to break the monotony and maintain a high level of engagement. For example, start each class with a quick brain teaser or challenge. This not only grabs students' attention but also prepares their minds for the lesson ahead.
Coloring, surprisingly, is another powerful brain-training tool that can improve attention span among younger students. Activities that involve creativity and concentration, like drawing or painting, help calm the mind and build focus. For older students, consider incorporating more complex tasks, like logic puzzles or strategic games, to maintain their interest and cognitive engagement.
Focus exercises are valuable tools for online classroom management and can be easily incorporated into both virtual and in-person lessons. These exercises help students build their ability to concentrate over time, which is essential for effective learning.
Start with simple concentration exercises such as mindful breathing or counting games. For example, ask students to take deep breaths, counting each inhale and exhale up to ten, and then repeat. This practice helps calm their minds and increases their ability to focus on the task at hand. Over time, you can introduce more complex activities like visualization techniques, where students imagine themselves achieving a specific goal or completing a task.
Incorporating these exercises regularly can make a significant difference in improving attention span. They teach students to be mindful of their thoughts and distractions, allowing them to bring their focus back to the lesson when needed. Additionally, they can be a great way to transition between different parts of a lesson or subject, keeping students engaged throughout.
A pre-study checklist is one of the most effective teaching techniques to improve attention span and engagement. This simple yet powerful tool provides students with a clear roadmap of what they need to accomplish, helping them stay on task and focused.
Encourage students to create their own pre-study checklists that include specific actions such as gathering all necessary materials, finding a quiet study space, and setting a timer for focused study sessions. Lists break down complex tasks into manageable steps, reducing overwhelm and enhancing productivity.
In addition to a to-do list, consider creating a "not-to-do" list for your students. This could include items like "Do not check social media during study time," "Do not multitask," or "Do not study with the TV on." These lists serve as gentle reminders to avoid common distractions and maintain focus, both online and offline.
Changing classroom dynamics can be one of the most effective student engagement strategies. For example, consider adopting a "flipped classroom" approach, where students are introduced to new content at home and practice applying it in the classroom. This method shifts the focus from passive learning to active participation, encouraging students to engage more deeply with the material.
Incorporate group work, debates, and peer teaching activities to foster collaboration and critical thinking. Use games and simulations that require students to solve problems together or compete in a fun, educational setting. These activities help break the monotony of traditional lectures and create a more dynamic learning environment that keeps students engaged.
Additionally, foster open communication and feedback in your classroom. Create a culture where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and providing feedback. Building these connections is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment that improves both attention span and student engagement.
Leveraging educational technology tools like Classcard can streamline communication and enhance engagement with students. With features like online scheduling, Zoom integrations, automated attendance tracking, and instant messaging, Classcard helps teachers manage their classrooms more efficiently, whether online or in person.
For example, use Classcard’s calendar and scheduling features to organize classes and activities, ensuring that all students are aware of upcoming lessons, assignments, and events. The platform’s communication tools can be used to send reminders, share resources, and provide feedback, all in one place. This not only reduces administrative tasks for teachers but also keeps students informed and engaged.
Additionally, Classcard’s data management features allow educators to track student progress and performance, helping them identify areas where individual students may need more attention or support. By using these tools, teachers can create a more personalized and engaging learning experience that meets the needs of every student.
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By implementing these strategies, educators can significantly improve attention spans and boost student engagement. Creating a classroom environment that encourages focus, creativity, and collaboration, whether online or offline, is key to successful learning. Techniques like the Pomodoro method, storytelling, brain training exercises, and using modern communication tools can transform the learning experience, making it more dynamic and effective.
If you're a teaching and learning business, Classcard can help manage the administrative tasks that often consume valuable time, like class scheduling, attendance tracking, communication, and data management. With Classcard, you can focus more on delivering effective teaching techniques and less on administrative hassles, enhancing both educator and student experiences.