Alex Perry

Prof. Marshall

WR101 03

7 February, 2017

The Importance of Deep Attention in Education

Just because I liked Moby Dick doesnt mean I read the whole thing. Dont get me wrong,

Herman Melville's classic is a book that Id recommend to anyone, and its story can be applied to

virtually any situation in someones life. That said, much of the book is filled with unnecessary

information, and more than one chapter serves no purpose other than to fuel Melvilles whaling wet

dreams. Moby Dick is a perfect example of a novel that requires readers to pay attention for extended

periods of time while also shifting attention between numerous subplots which provide important

character development. These two modes of thought can be characterized as deep attention and hyper

attention. Although both hyper and deep attention are crucial modes of thinking in students, hyper

attention is an instinctual mode of attention while deep attention must be developed through education.

The benefits of both hyper and deep attention are often argued in academics, and many believe

that one mode might be superior to another. Although I may not agree, I can certainly see where these

arguments come from. A student who spends their time on social media rather than working on a

research paper may seem like theyre not paying attention, while a student who works for hours on end

on the same assignment seems to be overworked and stressed. While yes, either of these modes can be

used in excess, its important to note the usefulness of both approaches. N. Katherine Hayles, in her

essay titled Hyper and Deep Attention: The Generational Divide in Cognitive Modes, Hayle argues the

importance of hyper attention in education, stating that institutions across the country [confirm] that

students are tending toward hyper attention. Many attribute this shift to the rapid change in how young

students intake media; the rise of the internet and even a change in movies and television have caused

young people to be more accustomed to focusing on more than one subject for a short amount of time
rather than a singular subject for extended periods of time. This can be good and bad. A student who

suffers from an attention disorder, such as AD/HD might have trouble focusing on one book for a long

time, however the same student might be better at jobs like cooking or driving, which require ones

attention in multiple places in rapid succession.

Hayles argues that current education systems that value deep attention over hyper attention are

causing learning problems with modern students who are more accustomed to multitasking. With this, I

take issue. In her essay Hayles writes that in an evolutionary context, hyper attention no doubt

developed first. Considering this, why would educators need to teach something that is hardwired into

students minds already? Shouldnt simple instinct allow young people to develop this mode of

thought? The goal of education is to challenge students and expose them to subjects that they are

unfamiliar with in order to provide a learning experience. If educators were to pander to hyper attentive

thought, they would be teaching students to do something that they instinctually can do without the

education in place, much like trying to teach students that they need to eat and sleep (granted this is

sometimes necessary). The brain works like a muscle that must be trained and developed; whether

students like it or not, deep attention must be practiced regularly in order to use it when needed.

Practicing different modes of thought and challenging the brain has been known to expand cognitive

capabilities (Broadbent). Sometimes its important in life to be able to be engaged for long periods of

time such as in law or literature.

Hyper and deep attention are not just crucial for educational purposes. Outside of school, its

important to be able to focus on a singular task for extended periods of time, regardless of ones

occupation or hobbies. One of the best examples is something that most every adult dreads: taxes. To

file ones taxes one must sit and fill out extensive paperwork; failure to do so risks a hefty fine or even

jail time. Some even hire professionals to handle it for them, either because they dont have the time or

the attention span to fill it out themselves. This example is reason enough for educators to continue

teaching deep attention; its something that we all as Americans have to face during adulthood.
 Works Cited

Broadbent, D. E. "A Mechanical Model For Human Attention And Immediate Memory." Psychological

Review 64.3 (1957): 205-215. PsycARTICLES. Web. 7 Feb. 2017.

Hayles, N. Katherine. "Hyper and Deep Attention: The Generational Divide in Cognitive Modes."

Profession 2007.1 (2007): 187-99. Web. 31 Jan. 2017.