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Math 3-6

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Math 3-6 > Factors > Attention

Factor Connections

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Attention is the ability to focus on a specific task without being distracted. Attention helps students become better problem-solvers by allowing them to focus on and thoughtfully practice their developing math skills. Importantly, attentional control often varies based on the context, including interest in the topic, task difficulty, and task duration

Main Ideas

There are several different types of Attention:

  • Sustained Attention, the ability to maintain focus, is an important component for math success because it can help students attend to classroom instruction and to the material they are working on.
  • Selective Attention is being able to select and focus on relevant information, both visual and auditory, while filtering out other distracting information. Speed and efficiency in using selective Attention develops through adolescence.
  • Alternating Attention allows a student to switch focus between tasks and is essential for Cognitive Flexibility.
  • Divided Attention refers to attending to multiple tasks at once.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a learning disorder that is mulit-faceted and often presents with differential patterns of attentional control. These behaviors can manifest differently for different individuals and over time, including restless (hyperactive) or inattentive behavior.

Learn More

  • Attention: A free microcredential to support students' attention
  • Executive Function: A paid microcredential to support students' executive functioning skills
  • Inhibition: A free microcredential to identify and support students' inhibition

View Measures and References