How Breaking Up Lectures Can Improve Student Learning
When lectures strain attention spans, thoughtful teaching strategies can enhance student focus, optimize retention, and improve classroom outcomes.
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Go to My Saved Content.Lectures are essential teaching toolsâbut with over half of students losing focus as lectures progress, maintaining student attention can be a challenge. To combat this, educators can use evidence-based techniques to break up lectures and reduce cognitive overload. Research shows that incorporating brief, engaging activities during instruction not only helps sustain attention but also improves comprehension and retention of material.
By incorporating pauses for collaborative interaction, moments of physical activity, and opportunities for active engagement, educators can create a more dynamic learning environment. These methods enhance recall, foster deeper understanding, and encourage participation while helping students stay connected and focused. Thoughtfully breaking up lectures with these techniques ensures that students remain actively involved, making even the longest sessions more productive, impactful, and enjoyable for everyone in the classroom.
To learn more about the research cited in the video, check out the resources below.
- Steven C. Pan, Alexandra Schmitt, Elizabeth Ligon Bjork, and Faria Sanaâs (2020)
- Paige E. Northern, Sarah K. Tauber, Kyle J. St. Hilaire, and Shana K. Carpenterâs (2023)
- Linlin Luo, Kenneth A. Kiewra, and Lydia Samuelsonâs (2016)
- Abigail A. Broad, Derek P.D. Bornath, Daniel Grisebach, Seth F. McCarthy, Pamela J. Bryden, Jennifer Robertson-Wilson, and Tom J. Hazellâs (2021)
- Casey L. Peiris, GrĂĄinne OâDonoghue, Lewis Rippon, Dominic Meyers, Andrew Hahne, Marcos De Noronha, Julia Lynch, and Lisa C. Hansonâs (2021)
- John Dunlosky, Katherine A. Rawson, Daniel T. Willingham, Elizabeth J. March, and Mitchell J. Nathanâs (2013)
- Dillon H. Murphy, Jeri L. Little, and Elizabeth L. Bjorkâs (2023)
- Jonathan G. Tullis and Robert L. Goldstoneâs (2020)
Find more ideas for how to make lectures more effective in Youki Teradaâs article for ÁůşĎ˛Ę˛ĘĆą, â6 Research-Backed Ways to Break Up Your Lectures.â