April 2nd Aine O Dea

In today’s classroom, students are more distracted than ever—constantly switching between tasks, struggling to sustain attention, and battling digital or internal interruptions. But how can teachers support students in managing their attention effectively while also fostering creativity and emotional regulation?

This practical and evidence-based talk will explore the neuroscience behind attention, learning, and self-regulation. We’ll break down how attention works in the classroom, why some students struggle more than others, and what teachers can do to help.

Key takeaways for teachers:
🔹 How different types of attention (sustained, selective, and divided) impact learning and classroom engagement.
🔹 Why students may struggle to focus—and why over-focusing can also lead to fatigue and emotional dysregulation.
🔹 The role of digital distractions and how to create an attention-friendly learning environment.
🔹 How brain breaks, movement, and structured routines can enhance focus and reduce attention fatigue.
🔹 Practical, classroom-ready strategies to support students’ self-regulation and executive function.

This session will equip teachers with actionable strategies to help primary and secondary students develop stronger attention skills, improve learning outcomes, and navigate today’s high-distraction world with greater confidence.