Attention
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Definition of Attention
The process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others(Online Medical Dictionary). Attention may be conscious in that some stimului are actively selected out of the total input, though we are not explicitly aware of the factors which cause us to perceive only some small part of the total input of stimuli (Reber & Reber, 2001, p.62). In other words, attention is an act or process of focusing on one or more information in the content of one's consciousness to provide special clearance to essentials by restricting one's sensory input from the environment's unwanted aspects(http://www.articlesbase.com/self-improvement-articles/attention-and-concentration-how-to-concentrate-150757.html).
According to James's (1977) point of view, attention is the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid from, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought (p. 115).
Role of Attention:The role of attention in learning is creating an environment in which students can clearly understand a concept, and teachers are active in making sure the students are processing that information. Attention is part of focus, concentration, a component of intelligence. An individual's focus of attention can only last 30 seconds(http://www.articlesbase.com/self-improvement-articles/attention-and-concentration-how-to-concentrate-150757.html). .. it digresses but can be re-focused at will...
Teachers have a critical role in keeping students on task and attentive. The following methods are commonly used by teachers: keeping lessons consistent and clear, engaging students using a variety of learning styles to help them think more critically, and using signals. By providing attention to the student, the teacher is making sure the student stays focused on the learning situation.
Since we as a society have such a short attention span, teachers might have trouble gaining each of their students’ attention for a long period of time. According to Anderson, "we can pay attention to only one cognitively demanding task at a time"? (246).
Purpose of attention in learning
Attention play an important role to get students to clearly understand a concept and to keep their students minds to keep processing. Attention plays such an important role in the way we pay attention to certain things and "selecting from those possibilities what we 'will process"? (246). By processing this information, the teacher can help the student select what information is relevant.
Ways teachers can increase student attentiveness to the lesson: Teachers must first be able to gain and maintain their students’ concentration. The hard part is keeping their focus on what they are learning. Ways to increase attentiveness might be to "introduce eye catching displays" to grab the students’ attention (247). By using bright vibrant colors, highlighting written words, calling students by their name, teachers are able to gain their students attention.
Occupational therapists, physical therapists and special education teachers can be a source of ideas for keeping attention in the general classroom. While not all of the following examples will be appropriate for every teacher or every situation, they may be just the "trick" when you need it. Try listening to music (use headphones and vary music for a particular situation), chewing (gum, straw, hard candy), movement (stretching, rocking), drinking water, changing seats or a different kind of seat, changing affiliation (group work, partner work, solo work), or textile anchors (beanbag, stress ball, Velcro strips on desk) (Bluestein 66).
Seven examples in which to keep the attention of misbehaving students: (2001) 1. Start a staring contest. Lock eyes with the misbehaving student and shake your head. When the student relents, wink to show you appreciate his showing respect. 2. Gesture. Use a variety of gestures that students know well--like fingers to lips when you want quiet, or snapping fingers to get students' attention or hurry dawdlers. 3. Invade their space. Walk over and stand by the disruptive student. Keep teaching there until she stops misbehaving. 4. Speak softly. Lower your voice to just above a whisper. Students will start straining to hear and tell others to be quiet. 5. Flash an "excuse me" smile. Stop what you're doing and say in your sternest voice, "Excuse me, but I am talking." There will be at least one student who says, "You're excused." Just smile and go on. 6. Employ the whisper technique. Move close to the student and whisper exactly what you want the student to do. Assume he will comply and quickly say "Thank you" as you break eye contact and walk away. 7. Use humor and nonsense. Keep a list of jokes or funny phrases. When a student acts up, say something like, "Jesse! Did you know that Mary had a little lamb?" His reaction will be quite different than if you said, "Jesse, stop doing that!""?
Personal Experience
The only problem teachers have is maintaining that interest. One way is develop signals so that when the teacher gives that signal students stop what they are doing. For example, from my experience as a camp counselor, I raise my hand in a fist and wait till they are all raising their hands as a signal to me that they are quiet and have stopped playing. By making sure the purpose of the lesson is clear to the students, their goals are written on the board and discussed thoroughly. For example, in day camp, we have the campers go over camp rules that are written on the board every Monday to make sure that the rules should be followed from week to week. Carole Johnson
Another way to get the student’s interest is to make sure that there is variation and not so much emphasis on one aspect of the lesson. For example, in day camp, we provide a variety of games and crafts so that the campers and continually doing something different every ten minutes. Make sure the students move around and provide the students with questions that are thought-provoking and not just yes or no. If students are asked these types of critical thinking questions, they will be able to stay longer on task and maintain attention. Carole Johnson
I use multiple ways of getting attention. We have a school-wide incentive program that uses something called a PEACE slip. When we are trying to get class started and multiple groups of people are conversing, I hold up my two fingers for peace and as people see me I give them these slips. They are used to buy items at a store each month.
I also use a flicker of the lights during a project to remind them of their volume is getting too elevated.
I use a timer buzz to get the attention during a lab/kinesthetic lesson for when things aren't being done successfully and I need to interrupt the class.
I think another way to get attention from a class is to vary teaching styles. I think it is also the most effective way I have ever used in my class. Children are drwan to different and new things. They would like to keep eye on things which changes overtime or varies from routine. However, too much change disturbs students' learning. It is good to maintain consistency in the classroom and at the same time make surprises to the lectures to maintain attention from students. --Ting 12:15, 11 Dec 2004 (CST)
When I was in grammer school our teacher had a couple of tactics for gaining the attention of the children. The one that worked the best and more often is they would simple turn off the lights. The next and the one that worked a little more slowly then the first was they would hold ou the peace sign or two fingers up in the air. These two methods I thought worked very well in getting the attention of the students. J. Simmons
I substitute teach, and in order to keep the student's attention on the lesson, I let them know that I am going to call on each student randomly and to listen carefully for their name. Sometimes, instead of a name, I will call them by what they are wearing- they love this game and sometimes I will call out a description that does not match anybody. (for example, "Blue and green stripes" what is your answer to number 7. They all look around to see who "blue and green stripes is and why he/she isnt answering). This serves to keep them on track as they know that they may be the next one called on. I also find that elementary students will listen and pay attention if there is the chance for active participation. For example, I will ask the students to come and write their answers to a question or problem on the blackboard or overhead. Most follow the lesson in order to get the chance to do this. C.O'Kelley
References
Anderson, J.R. (1995a). Cognitive psychology and its implications. 4th ed. New York: Freedman.
Bluestein, J. (2004). Practical Strategies for Working Successfully with Difficult Students. Bellevue, WA: Bureau of Education and Research.
James, W. (1979). The principles of psychology. In M. c. Wittrock (Ed.). Learning and instruction, pp. 115-119. CA: American Educational Research Association.
Reber, A. S., & Reber, E. (2001). The Penguin dictionary of psychology. 3rd.Clays Ltd, St Ives plc, England.
"Seven secrets for getting the attention of misbehaving students." Curriculum Review. 2001: 6. Wilson Web. Seven Secrets Source
Woolfolk, Anita. Educational Psychology. 8th ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2001. 246-247.
