By: Lauren Waldman, Learning Scientist & Founder of Learning Pirate Inc.
Hello, my fellow learning nerds!
It’s always a pleasure to bring validated, evidence-based science into your learning worlds, especially at a time when clarity and credibility matter more than ever.
As learning and development professionals, our job is to help others learn, which really means, help change a brain. That means we, too, must be continuously learning – especially about how learning actually happens. And it starts where all learning begins: in the brain.
Lately, however, there’s been a rise in well-meaning – but deeply flawed – uses of the term “science” in our field. Misrepresenting neuroscience or cognitive psychology doesn’t just muddy the waters; it actively misguides the very people we aim to support.
So let’s dig into some good old, fact-based brain knowledge. Today’s spotlight: attention and focus – two cornerstones of learning that are often talked about but rarely understood. And as you well know, there’s plenty more where that came from.
Want to Improve Learning? Design to help Focus
Let’s set the record straight: focus isn’t just a nice-to-have in learning – it is the front door to it and attention is the key. You could build the most brilliant, evidence-informed, perfectly scaffolded learning experience in the world… but without attention and focus? Nothing gets in.
The human brain is bombarded with sensory input 24/7. It’s not designed to process everything equally (and thank goodness). Instead, it uses attentional networks to filter the noise and spotlight the relevant.
Here’s how to work with the brain’s attention systems – DAN and VAN – instead of against them.
Meet the DAN: Your Goal-Directed GPS
The Dorsal Attention Network (DAN). It’s activated when you say, “I need to concentrate on this.” or “I’m looking for…” DAN is all about top-down, goal-driven attention.
When designing, tap into DAN with:
Clear Instructional Goals:
Set sharp, purposeful targets. Tell learners exactly what they’re meant to do and why it matters. “Watch this video” is not a goal. “Watch this video and identify three techniques you can apply today” is.
Engaging, Active Tasks:
DAN loves doing. Design activities that require focused thought – like simulations, decision-making, or solving a gnarly problem.
Just the Right Amount of Novelty:
DAN perks up for a change in format, pace, or perspective. A little unpredictability can reignite focus. Just remember: if you over-novelize, the brain gets distracted chasing shiny things instead of locking into purpose.
Now Enter VAN: Your Attention’s Fire Alarm
The Ventral Attention Network (VAN) operates differently – it’s your reflexive spotlight. VAN is triggered by the unexpected: a loud bang, a weird fact, an image that doesn’t fit. It’s bottom-up attention.
When designing, use VAN (carefully) with:
Surprise Elements:
Introducing something a little unexpected. Think: a plot twist in your scenario, a bizarre-but-relevant stat, or a quick interaction that jolts learners out of autopilot. Just be sure it’s tied to the learning goal – not just random novelty for novelty’s sake.
Visual Attention Cues:
Bold font, strategic colour, icons, motion – these can all say: “Hey, this bit matters.” They help guide visual attention toward critical information and can be reused as consistent cues. In my presentations I use the colour green right from the beginning, 40mins in and I can ask which colour I’ve used and nearly everyone knows what their brain had been cued with right from the start.
Error as Focus Fuel:
Don’t be afraid to design in errors, as a matter of fact I encourage it. Let people get something wrong (on purpose). Well-timed, low-stakes errors spark focus and contribute to the process of strengthening a memory.
Ask Yourself This Before You Design Your Next Learning Piece:
- Where do I need to guide attention? What do they really need to focus on?
- What is the sensory competition in their environment (and am I accidentally adding to it)?
- Am I designing with intention or just hoping for focus?
- Where would be a great place to use cues and where/when can they later be triggered.
Final Thought:
Attention is your mechanism to focus, guide it wisely.
So don’t just design content. Design for attention. Make friends with DAN. Flirt occasionally with VAN.
And for the love of all things synaptic, stop overloading the learner’s screen like a Vegas billboard!!
Your job isn’t to cover content. Your job is to uncover focus and help change someone’s brain.
If you’re interested in finding out more, you can connect with Lauren on LinkedIn here.
