How to Improve Attention Span for Students: Proven Strategies and Tips

For decades now, we have various theories about the dwindling average attention span of humans. In the year 2004, some studies proved the average attention to be 2½ minutes. After some years, the same was estimated as 75 seconds. Recently in 2023, the same was found to be close to only 47 seconds. Out of all these, the one that stayed with the people was a legendary finding by Microsoft that humans can focus for a maximum of 8 seconds (2015). Over some time, this theory was condemned by other experts. However, what experts do agree is that there is a genuine problem of concentration, focus, or short attention span in this digital age.

Average attention span for students | Ways to improve attention span

Let’s delve in and figure out all about attention span and see how we can improve it.

What is Attention Span?

If we go by the dictionary definition, attention span is the duration for which one manages to keep their thoughts fixed on something (task, activity, etc.). In other words, this is the time that we can stay focused on something exactly before we get distracted. Our concentration levels can remain static only till a particular point in time. Post which the vigilance is replaced by a shift in focus that is mostly caused by a distraction.

What is the Average Attention Span for Students?

In general, it was believed that a student’s attention span was 10-15 minutes while attending a lecture. However, it is also true that their focus also depends on a number of other factors. After this finding, many experts rejected it completely. Because it was unrealistic to plan lectures for a duration as short as this. In addition, some experts also added that the teaching experience has great importance. Because even an interesting topic can be dull if a teacher is not good enough to engage students well. In any case whatsoever, most students battle with the challenge of sustaining attention each day. And in a traditional school with large batch sizes with long lecture timings, this problem is even more serious. Let’s understand how we test a student's attention span and work on improving it.

Ways for Testing Attention Span in Students

Some online tests and applications help in testing attention span of students. You can try applications like Attention Index, Memory Test, etc. Other than this, you can also try some websites that offer attention tests through questionnaires and similar methods. Once you take these tests do not forget to record the observations. Because this will help you to track the actual progress when you take any type of remedial action.

Is Student's Attention Span Important?

Studies prove that attention span is essential for learning. Because focus helps students to reach a level of arousal. And this arousal is involved in many types of learning. When students focus well, they learn better and eventually, they can also retain more later.

How to Improve Attention Span?

1. Brain Breaks

One of the most effective ways to improve a short attention span is to identify the need for brain breaks. Do you know that excessive multitasking enhances the need for more brain breaks?

Yes!

These breaks are essential to boost the brain functioning. In fact, it is even more interesting to note that these breaks are also a key to unlocking one’s creativity.

When we discuss how to increase concentration span, we must also understand the science behind these breaks that are related to Dopamine levels (neurotransmitter and hormone). In general, regular or mundane tasks do not shoot up Dopamine levels. But interesting and fun activities help in shooting it up.

Taking a snack break, solving a puzzle, physical exercise, interactions, etc. help in creating the right balance between work and break. A trusted technique called the ‘Pomodaro Technique’ also reveals the ideal time to plan breaks for the best productivity.

<The best online school, International Schooling has a perfect balance of classes with break time. Reach out to us to know about our techniques for engaging students.>

2. Pomodoro Technique

Studies suggest that Pomodoro technique helps in aligning a periodic reward after work. And this helps in improving one’s short attention span. Broadly, it suggests that one works for 25 minutes. And after this time, the person can take a break for 5 minutes. The cycle can continue for a longer time.

While many experts believe in this technique, it is still not very convincing for many individuals. To many, a system of 45 minutes of work with a 15-minute break works better. In any case, whatsoever, the importance of brain breaks is unquestionable.

For students, it is best to identify the right period as per their individual preferences. And for online learners, it is easier to support them with these proven strategies.

Pomodoro Technique | Improve Attention Span for Students

3. Focused Meditation

Research shows that our mind is lost in some thought or the other for almost 47% of the time. And meditation has the power to delink our mind with thoughts. In addition, it can also change the parts of our brain that are linked with negativity and depression. Focused meditation is a wonderful way to direct our attention to a desired point. It also helps in reducing problems of mind wandering. And in this way, it improves one’s overall capacity to pay attention.

Breathing exercise is highly effective for students. You can certainly try some of these and seek professional help if you need it.

graph showing percentage of thoughts lost by human mind

4. Games and Cognitive Activities

Moving on, the next highly effective way to improve focus or concentration levels is through games and cognitive activities. A leading journal jotted some names of highly credible applications that are effective in improving one’s focus and concentration.

Here’s a list of these:

Cognito
Fit Brains Trainer
Lumosity
Elevate
Peak

These applications contain activities, challenges for memory, problem-solving, language, counting, etc. All these fun ways can help in testing attention span and simultaneously these are great for improving one’s concentration levels.

5. Food Choices & Physical Activity

Our human brain gets the power of sustaining attention through a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet and lots of physical activity support the brain functioning. So replace sugary packaged options with berries, nuts, fruits, and high-fiber foods to improve your memory and concentration levels. A simple walk in the garden (nature walk), or a defined number of steps in a day is perfect for developing these healthy habits of staying active despite a hectic schedule.

Food Choices options to improve attention span

6. Schedules

We often underestimate habits like late-night binge-watching and social media addiction. But in reality, all this has a sinister effect on our health. Regular routines of waking up, sleeping, and exercising are equally important to improve a student's attention span.

The ‘National Library of Medicine’, U.S.A. confirms the negative effects of the excessive use of cell phones on our overall well-being (physical and mental). These include headaches, concentration issues, memory disturbance, poor sleep quality, etc. Students can overcome all these issues simply by creating schedules for physical activities like sports, gymnasium, etc.

What are Some Ways of Sustaining Attention of Students in The Classroom?

International Schooling, the best online high school has a highly trained teaching staff fully proficient in the following pedagogies (and strategies) that are proven ways for sustaining the student’s attention. This information will help both traditional school teachers and online teachers as well.

Mixing up things

Variation is the key to engaging students effortlessly. Try out different and innovative ways of delivering lectures to create a delightful learning experience. Planning collaborative activities, adding movements, and promoting peer tutoring work wonders with most age groups. Add the extra touch of creative games, and activities, to create a full range of variation.

Be unpredictable at times

Introduce random activities like slow-motion movements on backward counting, dancing like aliens, or animal walks for younger age groups to keep them going.

Customize word clues

Set a question-answer format for your classroom. You can keep it as simple as a verbal clue. When you ask the question, all students revert with a standardized answer in a pre-decided tone. All this works great for students even with an average attention span. So go ahead and make it fun for them.

ways to Sustaining Attention of Students

Final Thoughts

A student's attention span is essential to build critical soft skills in this digital world. Unfortunately, we are still struggling to battle challenges like gadget addiction, overuse of mobile phones, excessive screen time, etc. Problems like multitasking and a sedentary lifestyle are hindering the growth and development of our students immensely. It’s time we realize the importance of sustaining attention. Because only then we can nurture generations that are capable of paying attention and who possess the highly valued marketable soft skill ATTENTION TO DETAIL!

Thanks for Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sustaining attention
An individual is sustaining attention if he/she can focus for a long period. Generally, we associate it with goal-directed actions/behavior.

Reasons for short attention span
The top reasons for short attention span are:
- Constant distractions like social media
- Poor diet
- Stress/mental health issues
- Age-related declines
- Multitasking

How to improve attention span?
The most effective ways to improve attention span are to indulge in meditation, exercise, eat healthy, play mind games, get proper sleep, etc.

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