Definition: The object or subject that attention is drawn to.

Issues:

• The main issue with focus is student engagement. People are often described as having a seven minute attention span due to the influence of television. (Seven minutes is the usual interval between commercials).
• Keeping students on-task is often seen as something a teacher does by prompting students to complete their work. Ideally, students become self-motivated by being genuinely interested in the work they have been set. Ken Owen has noted that animation is very powerful for engaging students, even for those students have struggled with more traditional activities. "My decision to create an animated film, set in motion the most engaging series of activities I have ever set before students." (1)

Recommendation: Specify a single focus in teaching episodes. As was noted in the conclusion, we have enough interactivity to actually distract students. By deliberately limiting functionality we can focus attention more effectively. Focus commences the Focal ladder as teachers need to be clear about what exactly it is that comprises the focus of a lesson or activity.

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(1) Owen (2006:11)

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