Short interim questions, notifications on your cell phone or a look at the email inbox look harmless. However, a few seconds of distraction are sufficient in particular during further training to significantly impair learning success.
The underestimated effect of short interruptions
Unplanned interruptions during learning phases can have serious consequences. Researchers at the Michigan State University were able to show that distractions of only three seconds double the error rate for tasks. Particularly complex activities suffer significantly from such disorders because they interrupt the mental focus and make the cognitive re -entry difficult. As T3N reports, many employees experience disorders by superiors during planned further training courses, often accompanied by the wording “only very briefly”. These disorders sabotage the flow of learning because they do not act as conscious breaks, but as uncontrolled interruptions.
Multitasking as a killer
Contrary to the widespread assumption that multitasking is an ability to increase efficiency, numerous studies show the opposite. The Harvard Business Review refers to a loss of productivity of up to 40 percent in activities that are characterized by frequent changes in tasks. In addition, analyzes show that the brain takes an average of 23 minutes after each interruption to restore the original state of concentration. In the context of further training, this means: Contents that are recorded under constant distraction are only superficial. The learning effect remains limited, while the time expenditure increases.
The role of planned breaks in the learning process
In addition to unwanted interruptions, dealing with planned breaks also affects the efficiency of learning. An investigation by the University of New South Wales illustrates that the targeted installation of longer breaks, about one hour, can significantly improve memory performance. Learning content is transferred to the long -term memory in rest phases, which can hardly be achieved without a corresponding interruption. Permanent learning without breaks can therefore be less effective than structured knowledge acquisition with targeted relaxation.
Micro breaks between effect and placebo
Micro breaks – i.e. interruptions of a few seconds to about ten minutes – are considered a potential means to increase well -being in modern occupational psychology. A meta-analysis of the National University of Singapore shows that these short time-outs have positive effects on subjective satisfaction and mental freshness, but their influence on the actual productivity remains ambiguous. It is important that micropauses are planned and used consciously. In contrast, spontaneous interruptions through external factors have a significantly more stressful effect on cognitive performance.
Concentration needs protection
Disruptions during a further training measure are not trivial. Whether through interjections, emails or spontaneous tasks – interruptions demonstrably reduce learning efficiency. Studies from occupational psychology and neuroscience illustrate that focused learning, supplemented by sensible breaks, is far more effective than multitasking-based knowledge acquisition. Protecting the undisturbed learning time becomes a central prerequisite for sustainable further training processes.
Editor finance.net