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The Role of Attention in (Language) Learning
Although it may sound obvious to say that when one does not pay attention, they won’t be able to perform, it is necessary to address how Attention plays a crucial role in the process of learning, and language learning. The misconception that Sustained Attention is alone the responsible for (language) learning is widespread and it needs to be debunked. However, the Usage-based Learning research provides a better understanding of the (language) learning process giving Joint Attention a crucial role for the entire journey towards language acquisition. When phones or some other electronic device steps in, will students be able to maintain their attention on what matters? What are the cognitive impacts that Attention-less learners have? This lecture will go through some examples of attention (Tomasello, 2003, and Cohen, 2014), the cognitive outcomes for language development (Dabrowska, 2004, and Langacker, 2016) that Attention generates, and what happens when something just “steals” our students’ attention during the learning process.
Presenter
Rodolfo Mattiello holds a BA in Languages of Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Masters in Applied Linguistics of the University of Edinburgh specialized in Language Acquisition under the Usage-based perspective with interest in Cognitive Linguistics, specialization degree in Lesson Planning of University of Oregon, Education Technology for EFL Classes of Iowa State University and he also co-authored the books ‘Formação de Professores’ (Paco Editorial) and ‘O Cérebro que Se Comunica’ (Wak Editora). He’s worked as a Professor for PUC Paraná in the Bilingualism post-graduation course, member of Rede Ciência para Educação (Rede CpE), founding member of BRAZ-TESOL’s special interest group for Mind, Brain and Education, founder of Mattiello Consultoria Acadêmica, a center for teachers’ development and BELíngue, an online English school. He is the co-host of Chá Pedagógico, an education podcast.
