Being productive is one of the most highly regarded traits in the work world today. And to be productive, multitasking is the go-to method. The ability to switch between multiple tasks rapidly is seen as a special skill, but it reality it stifles productivity and increases the likelihood of making mistakes.
With the growing flood of information and technology, distractions are at the forefront of our every step. And while this is affecting everyone, these distractions are most detrimental to children’s developing brains.
The idea of “multitasking” impedes not only efficiency but also weakens our ability to transcribe new information into our memory. When we switch tasks, our brain must also change from one neural network to another, which consumes mental effort and brain fuel. This keeps children’s developing brains from absorbing new content to the best of their ability.
Associate professor of psychology at UCLA Dr. Russell Poldrack stated regarding children, “Even if he learns something while multitasking, his ability to remember what he learns later or use it in other contexts will be diminished.”
Also, children make better decisions when they are focused on one thing at a time and make more minor mistakes.
But keep in mind, not all task switching is bad. If we are stuck on something, switching to another task can recharge the brain. However, this is different from responding to emails and texts or checking social media while learning a new concept. Additionally, a practical multitasking situation might include listening to classical music while studying.
Armed with this knowledge, Perez Martial Arts instructors utilize cutting-edge brain training in every karate class. To be the most effective in learning new information, the classes are divided into short sections, so focusing on one thing at a time is possible while minimizing distractions. This allows students to grasp a new skill quicker and solidify it into their memory so it can be built on from there.
Along with this learning method, boosting positive chemicals in the brain provides an efficient learning process. Parents are also encouraged to use this technique with their children at home during online learning or homework time.
Minimizing distractions and encouraging a single-task focus will boost performance and efficiency while also saving mental brainpower. Children can then complete their work in less time and without stress while also having more time to do things they enjoy.
Check our next blog for ways to keep your kids’ focus on their task at hand.
Want to help your child to gain the skills to be more productive? We can help you at Perez Martial Arts! Call us today at 508.203.1777 to set up your trial.