Improving Students' Attention in Class: Evidence-Based Strategies for Enhanced Learning
Keywords:
student attention, classroom management, evidence-based strategies, student engagement, instructional techniquesAbstract
This article examines evidence-based strategies for improving student attention in classrooms, responding to reports that 28% of public-school leaders cite severe negative impacts from student inattention on learning outcomes. Drawing from recent educational research (2018-2024), the study presents five key strategy categories: structural and environmental modifications (flexible seating, classroom structure), instructional approaches (shorter lesson segments, active learning, small group work), attention-gaining techniques (non-verbal cues, musical signals, physical prompts), individualized interventions tailored to specific student needs, and strategic technology integration. The article challenges traditional assumptions about attention spans and provides educators with a comprehensive, research-backed framework for creating optimal learning conditions that naturally support sustained student focus and engagement.
Downloads
References
Chow, J. C., Sayers, R., Fu, Y., Granger, K. L., McCullough, S., Kingsbery, C., & Morse, A. (2024). A systematic meta-review of measures of classroom management in school settings. Behavioral Disorders, 49(2), 89-105. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15345084231208671
Gage, N. A., Scott, T., Hirn, R., & MacSuga-Gage, A. S. (2018). The relationship between teachers' implementation of classroom management practices and student behavior in elementary school. Behavioral Disorders, 43(2), 302-315.
Liberty University. (2024). Research week: Improving student engagement despite lowering attention spans in the classroom. Scholars Crossing. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/research_symp/2024/posters/31/
National Center for Education Statistics. (2024, July 18). About one-quarter of public schools reported that lack of focus or inattention from students had a severe negative impact on learning in 2023-24. Press release. https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/7_18_2024.asp
NSW Department of Education. (n.d.). Evidence-based strategies for attention. Inclusive Practice Hub. https://education.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/inclusive-practice-hub/primary-school/common-needs/attention/evidence-based-strategies
Prince, M. (2016). Attention span during lectures: 8 seconds, 10 minutes, or more? Advances in Physiology Education, 40(4), 509-513. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/advan.00109.2016
Simonsen, B., Fairbanks, S., Briesch, A., Myers, D., & Sugai, G. (2008). Evidence-based practices in classroom management: Considerations for research to practice. Education and Treatment of Children, 31(3), 351-380.
Student Centered World. (2024, June 29). Strategies for getting students attention in the classroom. https://www.studentcenteredworld.com/strategies-for-getting-students-attention/
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. (n.d.). Five classroom management strategies that work. https://ies.ed.gov/learn/blog/five-classroom-management-strategies-work
Zakaria, M. A., Maat, S. M., & Khalid, F. (2023). Student teachers' strategies to obtain students' attention during teaching practice. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377421040_Student_Teachers'_Strategies_to_Obtain_Students'_Attention_during_Teaching_Practice
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All content published in the Journal of Applied Science and Social Science (JASSS) is protected by copyright. Authors retain the copyright to their work, and grant JASSS the right to publish the work under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the author(s) for the original creation.
