This document discusses the attention span of learners and provides guidance for instructors on how to effectively engage learners. It notes that learners have limited attention spans that vary by age, and that attention span can be calculated as twice the average age of learners minus one. The document recommends employing visual and kinesthetic learning approaches in addition to explanations when instruction exceeds a group's attention span. It also notes that attention span only applies when the auditory approach of explanation is used and is less relevant for instruction incorporating varied visual, audiovisual and kinesthetic activities.

1. ATTENTION SPAN
OF A LEARNER
BY ADEDAMOLA ISRAEL ADEDOKUN
EDU-NORMS CONSULTING, NIGERIA
+2347037528764; +2348056053020
O
olofaisrael@gmail.com
21ST CENTURY LEARNING APPROACHES

2. AIM
 realize that listeners/learners have limits as to how long they can
meaningfully pay attention to an explanation/a talk.
 employ other methods other than explanation while imparting
knowledge.
 be aware of why learners/listeners get bored or get turned off
during a learning contact.
 Learn how to lengthen the attention span of listeners/learners
congregations/audience.
That a/an instructor/teacher/lecturer/preacher/speaker may:

3. TARGETED BENEFICIARIES OF THIS
SEMINAR
 Education policy makers
 Curriculum developers
 Owners of Institutions
 Time table developers
 Teachers/Lecturers
 Preachers
 Resource persons
 Parents of little ones
 Motivational Speakers
 ETC.

4. ATTENTION SPAN
When the attention span
of a learner is exceeded,
concentration and
comprehension aptitudes
fall. He/She may become
restless, easily irritated,
fidgeting, troublesome,
playful or even sleepy.
CHILD’S AGE ATTENTION
SPAN
2 years 3 min
3 years 5 min
9 years ? min
19 years ? min
Attention Span is the
maximum length of
time a learner can
concentrate
meaningfully (listens)
during a learning
process.
 Learners of different ages have differed attention spans:
ATTENTION SPAN = {2 x Average Age} – 1

5. HOW TO CALCULATE ATTENTION SPAN
OF YOUR LISTENER
1. Find the average age of your listeners/learners/ audience.
2. Use the average age to find their attention span.
3. If you have to spend longer time beyond the attention
span of your class/audience, then you must have to
employ other learning approaches, like visual and
kinaesthetic.
ATTENTION SPAN = {2 x Average Age} – 1

6. POINT
TO
NOTE
ATTENTION SPAN IS
APPLICABLE ONLY
WHEN AN
INSTRUCTOR USES
EXPLANATION [I.E.
AUDITORY
APPROACH] TO
DISPENSE LEARNING.

7. POINT
TO
NOTE
AN
INSTRUCTOR/SPEAKER/PREA
CHER NEEDS NOT BOTHER
ABOUT ATTENTION SPAN OF
LEARNERS/AUDIENCE, IF
HIS/HER
LECTURE/PRESENTATION IS
RICH IN VISUAL, AUDIO-
VISUALS & KINAESTHETIC
LEARNING ACTIVITIES.

8. GOT QUESTIONS?
CALL OR WRITE:
+2347037528764 +2348056053020;
olofaisrael@gmail.com; olofaisrael@yahoo.com