James M. Lang - Distracted: Why Students Cant Focus and What You Can Do About It

This book will change how you think about education. Distracted takes us on a phenomenal ride into a much misunderstood aspect of human learning and finally into the refreshing light that science, literature, philosophy, and history bring. Anyone who cares about learningtheir own or anyone elsesshould take this journey.

Ken Bain, author of What the Best College Teachers Do

Langs books have held a place of honor in my library of parenting and education books, and Distracted will, too. It is a delightful mash-up of the research and history on attention and learning. I adore this book and will be recommending it to parents and teachers.

Jessica Lahey, author of The Gift of Failure

Distraction didnt begin with digital devicesand it wont end by banning them from classrooms. The human mind has always been a wandering mind. James Lang offers a fresh and hopeful analysis of this enduring problem. This book is an essential primer for helping students learn to cultivate attention.

Daniel H. Pink, author of When, Drive, and A Whole New Mind

Distracted gives teachers a powerful way to address one of the knottiest problems they face. Lang is an empathetic and knowledgeable guide, and reading this book feels like being in the middle of a conversation with dedicated, supportive, and enthusiastic colleagues. Whether youre new to the classroom or a veteran teacher, Distracted is a must-read.

Kevin Gannon, Grand View University

In order for learning to happen, we need our students to be fully present in the classroomand we need to be fully present for them as well. This book tells us why we must actively cultivate our students ability to focus, weaving together compelling and unexpected approaches for addressing the age-old problem of distracted students.

Michelle D. Miller, Northern Arizona University

Distracted is a must-read for every classroom teacher. Lang makes a compelling argument that attention is an achievement and that we should be cultivating attention renewal rather than preventing distractions. He presents practical classroom activities for fostering curiosity and communitywith the research to back them up. Candid insights on effective laptop policies, inviting students into the conversation, and the role of assessments make Distracted an invaluable resource that will change how youand your studentsthink about learning.

Pooja K. Agarwal, PhD, Cognitive Scientist and Author, Powerful Teaching

Attention is a finite and precious resource we are always in danger of squandering. Distracted will help teachers and students use it to nourish mind and soul.

Ian Leslie, author of Curious

Attention is an essential part of the learning process. Yet, to those who teach, attention can feel elusive and fleeting. In Distracted, James Lang helps us navigate the challenges presented by technologies that bring both a world of information, and the potential for endless distractions, to students fingertips. Lang encourages us to rethink our attempts to ban anything that may distract learners, and instead, to focus on practices that gain attention.

Bonni Stachowiak, Teaching in Higher Ed

Distracted proves once and for all that the question we face today is not How do we make students stop looking at their phones during class? but rather How can we help students find meaning during class? Packed with specific, easy-to-implement pedagogical strategies for seizing and maintaining students academic attention, Distracted is an eminently practical guide for increasing authentic student learning in any subject. It will transform the way we think about teaching and learning in higher education.

Jessamyn Neuhaus, SUNY Plattsburgh

For my father,

who has taught me to pay attention to what matters.

Instructions for living a life:

Pay attention.

Be astonished.

Tell about it.

M ARY O LIVER , S OMETIMES