Science of Attention: Key Takeaways from Cool Cat Teacher Talk

“When we ask kids to pay attention, we assume they know what it means. We assume that it's a single thing when in fact it's different steps we've done.”

Capturing and sustaining students’ attention is a challenge every teacher faces the moment they step into the classroom. In an era of digital hyperstimulation, when our brains are exposed to more sensory input than ever before, this challenge requires greater intentionality and the use of evidence-based strategies.

This complex topic was the focus of our recent conversation with the incredible Vicki Davis as part of her Cool Cat Teacher Talk podcast.

In the hour-long episode, our CEO Myriam Da Silva explores the science behind attention and shares classroom-ready strategies educators can use to manage it more effectively.

What is the Science of Attention?

American Psychological Association defines attention as “a state in which cognitive resources are focused on certain aspects of the environment rather than on others and the central nervous system is in a state of readiness to respond to stimuli.”

With an endless stream of external and internal stimuli, the human brain cannot effectively attend to everything. Instead, it is constantly managing competing demands and deciding what information is important enough to store in long-term memory.

This multi-stage process is essentially what we refer to as attention.

“We often think attention is that focused state of attention. And we need to look at it as more like a spectrum. Focused attention is part of attention. It's not the only part”, explains Myriam.

The science of attention examines the processes that take place in the brain as it filters sensory information and determines what matters to an individual. Even mind-wandering plays a role in this process, and a healthy one, supporting the internal thinking that shapes how we understand the world.

The central challenge of sustaining attention lies in the fact that processing stimuli is very energy-consuming. By understanding how attention works, educators, parents, and students themselves can apply more effective strategies to manage it intentionally.

Practical Ways to Sustain Attention in Class

Attention is the gatekeeper of learning. As such it sits at the center of effective teaching and learning strategies.

“I think attention is the most precious gift we can give to someone, the most personalized one as well.”

To help educators ensure focus and drive engagements in the classroom, Myriam and Vicky discussed several evidence-based strategies.

1. Teacher’s attention is key to effective instruction.

When we talk about attention in the classroom, the focus is often on students and their needs. But teachers should also be intentional with where they place their attention. When educators are focused and self-aware, students’ brains are more likely to tune in and align with the lesson.

One simple example is greeting students at the door in a personalized way. This small moment helps establish a sense of connection that is often reflected in students’ engagement throughout the class.

2. Use storytelling as a hook.

One effective way to open a lesson is to anchor it in a story. Storytelling works because students’ brains naturally mirror the patterns of a narrative, helping shift their internal state and draw them into the learning experience. This phenomenon is known as neural coupling, which is a process where the brain activity of the speaker and the listener begins to synchronize.

For example, when an educator shares a personal memory, such as a moment with a grandparent, it can prompt students to recall similar experiences of their own. This makes what follows more relevant and meaningful, encouraging students’ brains to stay engaged and ready to learn.

3. Leverage the attention curve.

Many classes begin with logistics—attendance, announcements, or homework review. However, research shows that students’ attention is often at its peak at the very start of a lesson. This makes the opening minutes an ideal time to introduce new concepts or assess prior knowledge, rather than spending it on administrative tasks.

4. Use micro-moments and unpredictability to sustain attention during class.

When students are asked to change their environment or move their bodies, it helps reset the brain and primes it for learning. Introducing short collaborative activities, stepping outside, asking students to change seats, or even inviting them to dance can all serve as effective “brain resets” that sustain attention throughout the lesson.

5. Minimize distractions.

Temperature, noise, cell phone alerts, and other environmental factors can quickly pull students’ attention away from learning. In response, many schools have introduced phone bans and are already seeing improvements in classroom engagement and attendance.

For teachers who share classrooms with others, it becomes especially important to adapt the environment as much as possible to support the lesson and its learning objectives.

Beyond the classroom, the science of attention is a valuable life skill. It shapes our relationships not only with students, but with the world around us, both personally and professionally. That’s why this topic deserves more intentional thought, discussion, and reflection.