How Breaking Up Lectures Can Improve Student Learning

Lectures are essential teaching tools—but with over half of students losing focus as lectures progress, maintaining student attention can be a challenge. To combat this, educators can use evidence-based techniques to break up lectures and reduce cognitive overload. Research shows that incorporating brief, engaging activities during instruction not only helps sustain attention but also improves comprehension and retention of material.

By incorporating pauses for collaborative interaction, moments of physical activity, and opportunities for active engagement, educators can create a more dynamic learning environment. These methods enhance recall, foster deeper understanding, and encourage participation while helping students stay connected and focused. Thoughtfully breaking up lectures with these techniques ensures that students remain actively involved, making even the longest sessions more productive, impactful, and enjoyable for everyone in the classroom.

To learn more about the research cited in the video, check out the resources below. 

• Steven C. Pan, Alexandra Schmitt, Elizabeth Ligon Bjork and Faria Sana’s study on the effects of pretesting on student mind wandering (2020)  

• Paige E. Northern, Sarah K. Tauber, Kyle J. St. Hilaire, Shana K. Carpenter’s study on the application of two-phase note-taking (2023) 

• Linlin Luo, Kenneth A. Kiewra, and Lydia Samuelson’s research on the effectiveness of revising lecture notes (2016)

• Abigail A. Broad, Derek P.D. Bornath, Daniel Grisebach, Seth F. McCarthy, Pamela J. Bryden, Jennifer Robertson-Wilson, and Tom J. Hazell’s investigation into how classroom activity breaks improve on-task behavior (2021)

• Casey L. Peiris, Gráinne O’Donoghue, Lewis Rippon, Dominic Meyers, Andrew Hahne, Marcos De Noronha, Julia Lynch, and Lisa C. Hanson’s research on the effects of classroom movement breaks on concentration and enjoyment of classes (2021)

• John Dunlosky, Katherine A. Rawson, Daniel T. Willingham, Elizabeth J. March, and Mitchell J. Nathan’s review of learning techniques derived from cognitive and educational psychology (2013)

• Dillon H. Murphy, Jeri L. Little, and Elizabeth L. Bjork’s commentary on the value of using tests as tools for learning (2023)

• Jonathan G. Tullis and Robert L. Goldstone’s study on the benefits of peer instruction (2020)

Find more ideas for how to make lectures more effective in Youki Terada’s article for Edutopia, “6 Research-Backed Ways to Break Up Your Lectures.”