Originally published on December 30, 2020 (Episode 192)
Introduction
Anyone who has been in a classroom in the last 25 years has heard concerns about “digital distraction” and its effects on students’ attention spans—and perhaps even their minds.
In the 1990s, debates raged over whether professors should allow laptops for note-taking (a worry that now seems quaint). Today, the questions are more pointed: does Zoom turn us into zombies—or Zoombies?
My guest James Lang reframes the issue. Instead of wringing our hands over distraction, he argues that we should focus on cultivating the ability to properly attend. His new book Distracted: Why Students Can’t Focus and What You Can Do About It is a thoughtful, hopeful guide for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to rediscover attention in an age of noise.
About the Guest
James M. Lang is Emeritus Professor of English at Assumption College and a Professor of Practice at the Kaneb Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Notre Dame. He has authored six books, and writes a regular column on teaching and learning for The Chronicle of Higher Education.
For Further Investigation
James M. Lang, Distracted: Why Students Can’t Focus and What You Can Do About It (Basic Books, 2020)
James M. Lang, Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning
Cal Newport, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Johann Hari, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again
Maryanne Wolf, Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World
Listen & Discuss
How do you sustain attention in your own life—or in your classroom? Share your experiences in the comments, and forward this conversation to a friend who could use some encouragement in their battle with distraction.
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