Capturing and sustaining student attention is a challenge. With distractions just a click away, educators must create learning environments that not only capture but maintain focus, allowing for deeper learning and engagement.
Harvard’s Graduate School of Education offers a powerful resource through their Instructional Moves initiative, particularly in their section Engaging Students, whereyou’ll find actionable strategies to support the following activities.
- Sequencing materials to build student energy and excitement.
- Planning ahead to facilitate the inclusion of student contributions.
- Regulating the flow of energy in the classroom.
- Providing multiple ways for students to engage in class discussions.
- Getting students mentally ready for class.
As you explore this resource, consider how you might include these strategies into your own teaching practices. By focusing on attention as a core element of your instructional design on attention, you can create a more dynamic and engaging classroom environment that fosters sustained student involvement and promotes deeper learning outcomes.