Introduction

Over the years, I‘ve talked to numerous students about their learning habits and preferences – from young to adult learners, and lately with my psychology students in blended studies. Engaging in conversations with them has shed light on their true learning preferences, often challenging common assumptions. Interestingly, my current students who are often being labeled as "digital natives," share a preference for printed materials, saying that digital formats come with too many distractions. Their insights go beyond materials; they want more active, meaningful interactions with lecturers and peers. Not just slides, explanations, and occasional questions. These preferences resonate with established research showing that human connection and focused study sessions are key for deep learning. By listening closely to students, educators can develop strategies that align more closely with what truly enhances their learning experience.

The Preference for Printed Material

Despite being digital natives surrounded by technology, almost all of my students prefer printed textbooks over digital ones. Their reasons: digital learning can be full of distractions. While browsing a textbook online, one tab leads to another, often leading into multitasking between academic and non-academic activities such as social media or emails.

Even when they're disciplined enough to keep only their digital textbook open, they find themselves multitasking in a different way - constantly switching between reading, highlighting tools, note-taking features, and flashcard creation functions. Each switch, though seemingly small, interrupts their learning flow. Most of them say that they simply learn and recall the information better when using printed books.

This preference for analog learning is not just anecdotal; it’s supported by cognitive research. Studies indicate that multitasking harms the learning process. Our brains, contrary to popular belief, do not multitask effectively. Instead, they switch rapidly between tasks, taking approximately 0.15 seconds per switch. This delay, known as an “attentional blink,” interrupts the learning flow and can result in missed information. Additionally, frequent task-switching leads to a “psychological refractory period,” where overlapping task rules reduce performance. This makes information processed during multitasking more difficult to recall and integrate later. The cognitive costs of multitasking extend beyond immediate comprehension; they influence memory encoding and retrieval. According to research discussed in Psychology Today (2), tasks that demand frequent cognitive shifts can result in fragmented learning, impairing long-term retention. Effective learning, on the other hand, thrives on deep focus and single-task engagement, allowing students to fully process and integrate new knowledge.

Engagement and Teacher-Student Interaction

Discussions with students highlight their desire for more active engagement and meaningful interactions in the classroom. John Hattie’s synthesis of educational research (1) reveals that a robust student-teacher relationship is pivotal, showing an effect size 2.5 times higher than one-on-one instruction. This underscores the importance of human interaction in learning.

Why is this so impactful? Neuroscientific findings (3) explain that during active, engaging discussions, students' and teachers' brainwaves can synchronise through a process known as “neuronal coupling.” This synchronisation facilitates the optimal conditions for information processing and retention. In contrast, passive learning—whether through video lectures or solitary reading—lacks this interactive dimension that activates the brain’s learning circuits. We could say that our brains are wired for connection. The back-and-forth of meaningful conversations, real-time feedback, and the opportunity to ask questions create an environment where learners engage more deeply. These interpersonal interactions are not optional extras; they are central to how we learn most effectively.

While digital tools offer valuable educational enhancements—such as access to extensive resources, simulations, and self-paced learning—they should be seen as complementary to human interaction. Strategies that blend technology with direct teacher involvement, such as feedback and guided practice, have higher success rates.

In the Classroom

Educators face a significant challenge: integrating digital advancements while preserving the core elements of effective learning—personal connections, active discussions, and tailored feedback. By striking this balance, educators can harness the best of both worlds to support student learning and growth. Here are a few ideas:

1. Interactive Lectures

• Incorporate Active Discussions: Implement structured Q&A sessions where students discuss the content in small groups before sharing their insights with the class. This encourages neuronal coupling, fostering deeper engagement and retention.
• Peer Teaching: Allow students to explain concepts to each other. Teaching material to peers helps reinforce their understanding and builds confidence.

2. Minimize Digital Distractions

• Tech-Free Learning Segments: If the students use digital gadgets in your sessions (iPads, laptops, etc) dedicate portions of the class to tech-free learning, where students use printed materials and handwritten notes. This minimises multitasking and promotes single-task focus.
• Guided Note-Taking: Offer templates for notes, helping students focus on listening and comprehending during lectures instead of constantly switching tasks on digital devices.

3. Blended Learning Approaches

• Balance Digital and Analog Tools: Use digital resources like interactive simulations and video demonstrations for visual support but emphasise that these should complement, not replace, in-person interactions.
• Integrated Feedback Tools: Incorporate platforms that allow students to get immediate feedback on quizzes or exercises, blending technology with teacher guidance.

4. Engagement Through Real-Time Feedback

• Live Polling and Instant Responses: Use apps to conduct live polls and quizzes that give students immediate feedback during lectures. This helps maintain attention and provides real-time insights into students’ understanding.
• Feedback Loops: Implement a system where students receive timely, personalised feedback on assignments, ensuring they can learn and improve before moving to the next topic.

5. Promote Deep Focus Learning

• Focused Study Sessions: Introduce focused learning periods in class where students are encouraged to dive deeply into a topic for 20–30 minutes without interruptions. Follow these with brief breaks or discussions to consolidate understanding.
• Reflective Writing: At the end of each session, have students write a brief reflection on what they learned and any questions they still have. This helps reinforce memory encoding and retrieval.

6. Foster a Supportive Classroom Environment

• Build Strong Relationships: Invest time in getting to know students individually and establish an open-door policy for questions and help. John Hattie’s research highlights that strong teacher-student relationships significantly boost learning.
• Collaborative Projects: Assign group work that requires collaboration, simulating real-life problem-solving and enhancing interpersonal connections that support learning.

7. Teach Metacognitive Strategies

• Self-Regulation Techniques: Teach students how to set goals, monitor their progress, and adjust their strategies as needed. This encourages independent learning and boosts their ability to focus.
• Awareness of Cognitive Biases: Discuss concepts like the fundamental attribution error and multitasking inefficiencies to make students aware of their learning habits and motivate them to adopt better practices.

8. Encourage Questioning and Curiosity

• Socratic Seminars: Hold sessions where students engage in dialogue by asking and answering questions, prompting deeper thinking and exploration of topics.
• Curiosity-Driven Assignments: Design assignments that allow students to choose topics or angles that interest them, ensuring they stay engaged and invested in their learning.

Conclusion

Educators are constantly facing the dual challenge of leveraging technology while preserving the foundational human elements essential for effective learning. The insights from my conversations with students reveal that while they appreciate the benefits of technology, they still crave meaningful interactions and focused engagement. Science underscores the limitations of multitasking and the brain’s need for deep, undistracted focus to facilitate learning retention.

Implementing effective teaching techniques that blend human connection with the strategic use of digital tools can enhance the learning experience. From fostering active discussions and strong teacher-student relationships to integrating metacognitive strategies and minimising digital distractions, educators can create an environment that supports comprehensive understanding and long-term retention.

Ultimately, the key to successful education lies in balance. By combining the best of both worlds—human interaction and digital innovation—lecturers can meet the evolving needs of students, providing them with not only knowledge but the cognitive tools to succeed – not only in their exams. With thoughtful, research-backed approaches, education can move beyond mere information delivery and foster a deeper, more meaningful learning journey.

Read more in:

1) Hattie, J. (2008). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.

2) Risko, E. F., & Kingstone, A. (2020). 5 ways to help your brain learn better. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202407/5-ways-to-help-your-brain-learn-better

3) Stephens, R., & Byrd, N. (2022). Engaging in cognitive tasks: Insights from neuroscience on effective learning. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 17(4), 367-377. https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/17/4/367/6358695