The Attention Gap

About the Book

Reclaim student attention with interval-based instruction

Struggling with student disengagement and dwindling attention spans in your classroom? You′re not alone. To meet the needs of today’s learners, teachers must find ways to transform instruction into a more dynamic and engaging experience.

In The Attention Gap, author Michael McDowell tackles these urgent challenges head-on, proposing a new, actionable framework—the Interval Instruction Approach (IIA)—to reshape the rhythm of your classroom. Inspired by interval training and grounded in cognitive science, this approach alternates short bursts of direct instruction with immediate, active student practice to build focus, boost motivation, and make learning stick.

This book will help you:

• Alternate your instructional routine between building the learner (metacognition, focus) and building the learning (academic content)
• Implement the five-step IIA approach of cognitive snacking, launch intervals, content intervals, pattern breaks, and cool-downs
• Access real-world classroom examples, model lessons, and reproducible activities that can be implemented tomorrow
• Apply research from the science of learning, attention science, and cognitive psychology to your daily practice

Discover how to create a classroom where all students can improve, not just in effort or engagement, but in actual growth. This innovative guide will help you invigorate your instruction, get you and your students working in tandem, and transform your classroom dynamics for lasting student success.

Table of Contents:
About the Author Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1. Bridging the Attention Gap with Interval Instruction: Find the Right Cadence of Challenge and Engagement Chapter 2. Cognitive Snacking: Spark and Sustain Clarity Chapter 3. Launch Interval: Teach Transfer Early and Often Chapter 4. Content Intervals: Design a Rhythm Between Surface and Deep Learning Chapter 5. Pattern Breaks: Check and Respond to Student Learning in Real Time Chapter 6. Cool Down: Consolidate Learning and Recharge Attention Chapter 7. Systems that Stick: Implement Interval Instruction Across Your Classroom and School Conclusion Appendix Glossary References Index

About the Author :
Michael McDowell, EdD was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent.  During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. McDowell serves on numerous boards, served as a college professor, and worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world.  Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world.  A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Offering keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, he partners with educational leaders to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems through his work with Hinge Education.