Multitasking Myth, we are good jugglers

For some time I’ve been fascinated in the new research around the myth of multitasking. This was stimulated again when I received a great link (Stop Multitasking and Start Doing One Thing Really Well) over twitter (thanks to @StratLearner) to this video from Fast Company.

In the article Gina Trapani summarises the key issues perfectly when she says:

Doing two things at once, like singing while you take a shower, is not the same as instant messaging while writing a research report. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can multitask jobs that need your full attention. You’re not really having a conversation while you write; you’re shifting your attention back and forth between the two activities quickly. You’re juggling. When you juggle tasks, your work suffers AND takes longer–because switching tasks costs.

It appears that the key is ATTENTION – you cannot multi task activities that require concentration. John Media covers this subject in a very accessible way in his book Brain Rules. He also has a nice little interactive slide show on his website: http://brainrules.net/attention

Here’s an extract from his DVD:

In Brain Rules, Medina states:

We are biologically incapable of processing attention-rich inputs simultaneously

So how does this influence our behaviour in the training room?

Whilst we know that our learners can absorb information on many levels simultaneously, our experience confirms that sensory rich environments deepen understanding and increase retention… it is also true that they can only pay attention to one thing at a time.

Most of the articles, blog posts and comments surrounding attention lean towards personal productivity. I’m wondering how this new understanding about attention and the myth of multitasking can help us improve the learning environment.

Here is our call to action:

Consider the conclusions about our inability to multi task things that require our attention

• How might this inform our behaviour in the learning environment?
• What are you currently doing that helps people?
• What are you doing that may hinder them?

Please post a comment, drop us an email or contact us with your ideas and thoughts… or blog about them yourself and link back here.

juggling figure image by Helico

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