You cannot multitask, it just seems that way. Help students to focus. Although we sometimes think we can do multiple things at once, multitasking does not actually exist. Our working memory has a limited capacity to process new information, which means we can only handle one attention-demanding task at a time (this stems from the cognitive load theory). When we try to multitask, we are actually continuously switching between different attention-demanding tasks. Therefore, task switching is actually a better term than multitasking. Some tasks, such as driving and listening to music, we can do simultaneously. Driving and talking are both automated: they do not demand attention from your working memory. As soon as you find yourself in a difficult traffic situation, you should turn down the music to be able to concentrate properly. By multitasking, students ultimately spend more time on the task or tasks they are trying to complete. It takes time and energy to switch between tasks: this is called the switching penalty (see image). The temptation to multitask is very strong for students. Smartphones, with the help of notifications, beg for attention and students are often afraid of missing out on something in group chats. Students often think that it does no harm to send a message now and then while studying. The risks should not be underestimated. Multitasking is linked to stress and fatigue. It causes students to spend more time on their homework and make more mistakes. Explain to students that by multitasking, they spend more time on their homework or study work. Tell them that multitasking is related to making mistakes: although it sometimes seems like you can do multiple things at the same time (for example, studying and occasionally texting), in reality, your brain is constantly switching tasks. Moreover, it takes quite a while before you are fully engaged with one task again. If you stop studying for a few seconds to send a message, it takes an average of 2-3 minutes before you are fully focused again. Point out to students that it is important for them to fully concentrate while studying. It is important that they make their learning environment as distraction-free as possible: for example, have them put their phone far away or set it to airplane mode, and ensure there is quiet. Also, make sure they can take a short active break sometimes. Try for yourself Use the stopwatch to record the time it takes you to complete the assignment. This assignment consists of two parts. Record the time separately for each part. For part 1 of this assignment, write the following words on your paper: lighters ā hairdryer ā password. These words all have 10 letters. Write the numbers 1 through 10 under the 10 letters of each word. So you first write down the words and then the numbers 1 to 10 under each word. How long does this take you? We will do the assignment again, but this time you will do two lines at once. On line 1, you start with the A of lighter and on line 2 you put the 1. Go back to line 1, where you write the second A of lighter, and then back to line 2 for the number 2. Continue like this, so that you write the words and the number sequences simultaneously. Are you done? Then look at the time. Are you faster with this part than with part 1 of the assignment?
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