Sustaining student concentration: the effectiveness of micro-breaks in a classroom setting

Sharpe, B. T., Trotter, M. G. and Hale, B. J. (2025) Sustaining student concentration: the effectiveness of micro-breaks in a classroom setting. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. pp. 1-10. ISSN 1664-1078

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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of break frequency on students' attention and quiz performance during university classes, grounded in cognitive load theory and the concept of spaced learning. Involving 253 second-year undergraduates, it reveals significant effects of break conditions on performance, with micro-break participants outperforming others and sustaining better performance over time. The study employed a mixed-methods design, comparing traditional break periods with more frequent micro-breaks. Results showed that while performance declined across seminars for both conditions, aligning with vigilance literature, the micro-break condition exhibited more consistent performance. These findings contribute to our understanding of cognitive load management and the spacing effect in educational settings. The study highlights the importance of addressing attention spans in classrooms and suggests that incorporating micro-breaks may enhance students' engagement and academic achievement. Implications for instructional design in higher education are discussed, offering evidence-based strategies for educators to optimize the learning experience.

Publication Type: Articles
Uncontrolled Keywords: vigilance, sustained attention, academic performance, cognitive load theory, spaced learning sustaining student concentration
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
L Education > L Education (General)
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1050 Educational psychology
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Psychology
Academic Areas > Institute of Sport
Research Entities > Centre for Health and Allied Sport and Exercise Science Research (CHASER)
Research Entities > POWER Centre
Related URLs:
SWORD Depositor: Publications Router Jisc
Depositing User: Publications Router Jisc
Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2025 10:32
Last Modified: 19 Nov 2025 10:32
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8225

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