Attention

Attention describes a complex function of our brain and is often equated with concentration. However, the term attention is also used in different contexts. Direct attention describes a state of general readiness to react, selective attention controls the processing of sensory stimuli, and divided attention describes the brain's ability to process information from different sources in parallel.

Glossary

Attention → Attention is often equated with concentration, but also plays an essential functional role in our perceptual and reaction processes.

Concentration → The deliberate focusing of attention on a specific activity.

Parietal lobe → That part of the brain that is primarily responsible for sensory tasks, and responsible for the further processing of stimuli and the allocation of resources.

Frontal lobe → Frontal part of the brain and takes over the execution of a plan, controls reactions and motor responses.

Content

Attention is a complex function of our brain, which is part of the evolution of Homo Sapiens. The term attention has different meanings depending on the context in which we use it. In the general (school) context, attention is very often equated with concentration. However, concentration is only one aspect of attention. If we look at attention in a more differentiated way, we understand its different roles in the processes of perception and reaction and that it plays an essential and functional role in our perceptual system.

The selection of received stimuli is controlled in the "old" areas of the brain (cerebellum, reticular system). The different attention systems listed below refer to different senses or processes in the body. At each processing stage, non-essential sensory impressions are filtered out. The parietal lobe, the part of the brain and central nervous system that is primarily responsible for sensory tasks, is then responsible for further processing of stimuli and resource allocation. The frontal lobe, a second lobe below the forehead alongside the parietal lobe, takes over the execution of a plan, controls reactions and motor responses.

In principle, a distinction is made between:

undirected attention
directed (selective) attention
long-term attention and
divided attention.

Undirected attention

Undirected attention refers to a state of general readiness to react and alertness.

Depending on the type of activation, a distinction is made between a permanent level of activation which - depending on factors such as the time of day - controls the state of the body (= tonic alertness ).

If a situation requires a sudden increase in attention, an alarm or orientation reaction follows. Sensory receptors focus on a stimulus (= phasic vigilance ). In principle, attention means a competition of programs of different centres in the brain, which react according to the probability or strength of the stimulus.

Fatigue, monotony, but, of course, also the individual's lack of inner motivation can disrupt his general responsiveness and vigilance.

Directed attention

Directed or selective attention controls the subsequent processing of sensory inputs. Either the person (the receiver) can select certain sensory stimuli himself. This is called "input control" or goal-directed choice.

However, particularly strong sensory stimuli control selection on their own - regardless of the person's goals.

The ability to concentrate is part of directed attention, it is the ability to focus on a source of stimuli.

Selective attention is the ability to distinguish between important and unimportant things and to direct attention, with a high degree of cognitive flexibility, to several different sources of stimuli. Disturbances from outside or inside hinder the ability to pay attention.

Long - term attention

This type of attention makes it possible to carry out a cognitive activity over a longer period of time. The brain is able to absorb and store information for hours - for example, during a lecture or when studying for an exam.

Problems can also arise here due to lack of motivation, monotony or fatigue.

Divided attention

The term divided attention describes the brain's ability to process and react to information from different sources in parallel. In this way, different actions can be performed simultaneously, which is extremely important in many everyday situations (for example, driving a car).

However, this ability primarily refers to the execution of automatic processes that do not require additional conscious control. These processes are then excluded from conscious awareness during execution. However, if a problem occurs during the execution of an action that requires attention, or if the execution of the action has not yet been fully automated, then the capacity for divided attention is clearly limited or even impossible. What are the causes of this limitation? When a problem occurs, conscious control is automatically triggered. This overloads the working memory capacity. However, since we can only direct our conscious attention to one process at a time, this leads to deadlock.

What does this mean for my teaching practice?

Attention is an essential prerequisite for learning. Through attention, received stimuli are further processed in the brain. Attention is, of course, an ability of the brain to focus, but on the other hand, attention also arises from curiosity or motivation, for example. However, attention can also be overtaxed if too much information needs to be absorbed.

Reflection question

What role do experiences and attention play in visual as well as auditory perception processes? How can previous experiences be activated in the teaching process to generate attention and readiness to learn?

Quiz

1) The term divided attention describes the brain's ability to

A) to switch back and forth between different activities
B) to process different information simultaneously

2) The term selective attention describes the brain's ability to

A) to distinguish between important and unimportant things
B) to absorb information over a longer period of time

Answers

1️⃣ → B) to process different information simultaneously
2️⃣ → A) to distinguish between important and unimportant things