how long is the attention span for an adult student?
i think its 20 minuts
Carolyn,
You are right about too many breaks being distracting. What is meant is a change of pace or flow in the class after approximately 20 minutes of lecture over content. A pause, going into a Q&A session, doing a case study, etc.. Anything that gives the students a chance to apply what they have just covered. This gives them a chance to reset their brains a bit and get ready for more information.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have found that too many breaks is distracting, though.
Kimberly,
Good strategy. The shift for them is important so they can "reset" their minds and stay focused. As you shared this strategy is working for your students. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe I've read in the past that it is between 15-20 minutes. In my class, we try to change up the conversation either by verbal quizzes of content just covered or we take a 5 minute mental break and disscuss something off topic. It is a timed-5 minute break if that's the route we go. I've noticed it tends to keep the students engaged throughout the length of the course.
I think I have found that my more traditional students (right out of high school) have a harder time concentrating and paying attention. Perhaps this is because they have grown up with more daily stimuli than previous generations. My adult students seem to take the role of student more seriously.
We have a 10 minute break for every 50 minutes in class. It seems to work well with most students. I have some however that loose task when they take these breaks.
David,
This has been my experience as well. Students' minds need variety and changes of pace if they are to stay engaged.
Gary
In my humble opinion I believe you are both right, there seems to be a "thinking break" that happens at the 20 minute mark and yet there is definitely need for a full fledged ten minute break at the 50 minute mark....
wonder what could be done to jump into next gear at the 20 minute mark?
I think it seems to be a little longer than 20 minutes. I have noticed that it is about 1 hour. I try to give my adult students a small break around that time but if I notice that they are really wondering before then I may send them a few minutes early. Everyone needs some time for their brain to digest the material.
