ATTENTION (december 24)

Attention is a filtering mechanism that enables us to select information and modulate its processing. It is a cognitive process by which the brain processes certain signals to the detriment of others. Attention is considered to be the gateway to learning because, without it, the brain cannot process information and record it.

Here are the key points about attention:


 Types of attention :

o Voluntary attention (top-down): This makes it possible to consciously allocate attention from one target to another according to a more relevant stimulus. It is influenced by internal bodily states, preferences, circumstances, experiences or objectives. It can also be selective, for example when a student pays attention to a conversation between classmates but not to the teacher.
o Involuntary attention (bottom-up): This is triggered by a change in the environment, such as a louder sound that attracts attention.
o The executive circuit is linked to the anterior part of the cingulate gyrus, in the medial prefrontal area. It is responsible for maintaining voluntary attention on a specific stimulus while inhibiting distracting stimuli.
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Functions of attention :
o Filtering information and selecting what is relevant to the task in hand.
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Maintaining concentration on a task despite distractions.
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Voluntarily regulate thoughts and feelings.
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Attention and learning :
o Attention is essential for memory formation and learning.
o Attention enables us to process information in a thorough and specific way in order to create rich and detailed memories.
o The quality of attention has a direct impact on performance and well-being.
o Attention is a key factor in cognitive efficiency, whether in perceiving, memorising or problem-solving.
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Limits to attention :
o The brain's attentional resources are limited.
o The brain cannot adequately process two stimuli simultaneously. Multitasking reduces attention and compromises working memory.
o When concentrating, irrelevant stimuli may become invisible.
o Attention can plummet after ten minutes or so of listening.

 In short, attention is a complex process that is essential for learning. It is important to understand how it works and to implement strategies to capture, maintain and reinforce it.

Trainers, attention to attention! (february 25)


 Salience, the key to attention (january 25)

In this video we will explain the concept of salience and its extreme usefulness in understanding the notion of attention.