3.9.5 Why Interest Is the Key to Attention

It is safer and better, of course, to anticipate disorder by getting the lesson under way in an interesting manner. These artificial devices are serviceable as emergency measures as well as helpful as restful variations in a class hour.

Change in posture, group exercises, periods of relaxation, all help to make attention the more easily possible.

The key to sustained attention, when all is said and done, is interest. There is no substitute for the fascination of interest. As Magnusson says: “Monotony is the great enemy of attention.

Interest is the attention-compelling element of instincts and desires.” The teacher can feel assured of success only when he is so fully prepared that his material wins attention because of its richness and appropriateness.

Special thought should be given in the preparation of a lesson to the attack to be made during the first two minutes of a recitation.

A pointed, vital question, a challenging statement, a striking incident, a fascinating, appropriate story, a significant quotation—these are a few of the legitimate challenges to attention.

Digg

Stumble Upon

Del.icio.us

Buzz