Attention Spans
Because the average adult attention span is only 15-18 minutes while classes last much longer I find its best to break up the time in under 15 minutes tasks to make the best learning environment.
the time span that is allowed for their students may variy according to each's method of comprension so some are a little slower to under stand and comprehend, so when starting up the next session revert to the subject that you just finished and go forward with the next lesson.
The use of computers in my class, makes the attention MUCH shorter. I try to direct the class to the internet to show examples of what we will work on.
Andrew,
This is why change of pace and variety of instructional activities will help to keep the students engaged and focused on the course content and knowledge that needs to be acquired.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
More and more, it seems, students have less of an attention span, and you'll lose a majority of the class after 10 minutes. This is a cultural things, as well, and as technology makes things happen instantly, spans are bound to decrease.
Christina,
I agree. As I teach a class from 4 until 10 pm I have to have a master plan that includes change of pace and variety in instruction or I will lose the students. Also, this strategy keeps them engaged for the duration of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since the class I teach is a 5 hour duration, it is absolutely necessary to break up lectures into 15-20 minute intervals and do practice activities or group activities after each interval. Even an instructor may not deliver the content as well if they do not break up the lecture along the way.
James,
Thank you for sharing this example of how students acquire knowledge in phases. Teachers of technical subjects like the one you are teaching need to follow your strategy to enable the students to continue forward progress while retaining what has been covered.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I see the 15 to 18 minutes theory applied in my class. Being a Highly Technical class, the students tend to be crushed by the second or third wave of instruction or task. Breaking these waves up and having Q/A time or ask "What They Think About That" engages them all to participate. Then they are ready to apply and move on to the next wave or portion.
Talking in 15 minute spans keeps there attention and also gives a break where you can review and reinforce what they have learned
Unless the topic is very interesting, students have even less attention time to offer the lecturer. I, myself, often like to walk around the classroom while talking, this keeps my students eyes on me (they never know who I would be calling upon next). As new information is being discussed, I am very fond of having the students repeat back old information, sort of connecting the new information with previous ones, helping them better understand the concept. This would keep them on their toes as I would call just about anyone. Finally, demonstrating a concept in front of the class helped them understand the subject matter even more. At the end of each session, I asked a few of my students if it were a hassle to have them repeat past lessons. They actually appreciated the chance to review and they realize that the ideas are now easier and faster to understand and recall. Lastly, it is always good to keep the atmosphere inside the room light and the discussions spiked with humor to ease any student anxiety.
Mike,
The more variety and change of pace you can introduce into your teaching the more engagement you are going to have from your students. Also, with the 15-18 change you get to be creative in your instructional planning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
