Concentration
LEVELS OF CONCENTRATION/ATTENTION
On average we could say that optimum concentration would be 1 minute for every year of life. So a five year old would be 5 minutes and a 12 year old 12 minutes etc. The are variables however - level of interest, level of distractions. Most adults would probably lose concentration after about 20 minutes.
What Affects Concentration?
Level of interest
Lack of sleep
Poor nutrition
Depression
Negative feelings about work
Anxiety
Distractions (auditory and visual)
Negative feelings about self
Stress
Poor time management
Medication
What can we do to support concentration?
Improve at the environment - less distractions
Ensure young people are nourished
Make the information interesting (include visuals!)
Allow them to focus on one task at a time
Offer regular learning breaks
Allow time to share worries