9 Activity 1: Multitasking: Does it Really Work?

Estimated time: 15 minutes

Objectives:

Students will be able to

• Recognizing the difference between multitasking and switch tasking
• Develop strategies to focus on tasks instead of switching

Materials

1. Two colors of paper in small pieces (red and green work well)

Activity

Part 1: Multitasking Assessment

Are you a multitasker? Do you do one thing at a time, or do you switch back and forth among several? Let’s take a test. For each statement, hold up the green paper if the statement describes you (green for go!). If the statement doesn’t describe you, hold up the red paper (red for stop!).

1. I need background noise, like music, TV, or podcasts, playing while I do homework.
2. If an email or text message comes in while I’m working, I stop what I’m doing and look at it.
3. I can’t just sit down and eat a meal. I have to be looking at my phone or watching something while I eat.
4. I use the time when I’m driving to make phone calls.
5. I almost always have more than five tabs open on my internet browser.
6. I often switch back and forth between tasks. Sometimes if I stop what I’m doing and do something else, I can find the answer more easily.

If you held up the green paper for two or more of these statements, you are a multitasker. Or are you?

Part 2: Does Multitasking Work?

We sometimes think we can work on more than one thing at a time, but what we’re actually doing is switchtasking. Your brain is switching back and forth between tasks, not actually doing them both. Neuroscientist Earl Miller puts it bluntly: “People can’t multitask very well, and when people say they can, they’re deluding themselves” (National Public Radio, 2008). Your brain is struggling, whether or not you’re aware of it. The longer you switchtask, the more tired your brain gets.

You may be thinking, but sometimes I do need a break in order to help my brain solve a problem. This can be true with big problems and creative projects. If you’re starting to get frustrated and tired, taking a break can help your brain refresh itself so it can work on the problem again. It’s switching back and forth between two—or even more—activities that causes your brain to be less efficient.

Part 3: How to Focus

Here are some suggestions on how to focus. Write down the ones you think would work well for you. Can you add more ideas to the list?

• Make a schedule. If you know exactly when it’s time to work on each item on your list, you won’t be tempted to switch back and forth.
• Keep an inspiration list. Let’s say you’re working on your algebra assignment when you suddenly have an idea for your English essay. You could stop what you’re doing and start the essay, possibly forgetting the details of your algebra assignment. Or, you could keep working on algebra, knowing that you’ll remember your great idea later. Maybe–what if you forget your essay idea? The best thing to do is take out your list, write down a few notes about the English essay, and then continue with the task you’re already working on.
• Keep distractions to a minimum. Find a place to study that is as quiet as possible. If you have to study in a room where other people are, try to face away from them. Background music might be useful, but stick to instrumental music so the lyrics don’t draw your attention away from what you’re doing.