Analysis of Classroom Distractions in Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

Distraction is a process of diverting the attention of a person or group from the desired focus which results in blocking the reception of desired information. Various factors affect students in the course of their studies. This research studied what are the factors that lead to classroom distractions among final year student and propose suggestions for decreasing as well as removing such distractions. A structured questionnaire was administered among 250 students across five schools in a Polytechnic in Nigeria. From the statistical analysis carried out, the factor that mostly distracts both male and female students is smartphone usage (100%) during classes. ‘Lack of interest in the course of study’ was the least cause of distraction (2.0%). One of the factors affecting concentration in the class is ‘lecturers receiving calls’ (21.2%) during the classes. For effective teaching and learning to be accomplished, the teacher must be able to command a level of control in the classroom and exploring methods that captivate the attention of the student throughout the class. Finally, it is essential for the schools to bring out policies that will enhance teaching and learning and reduce distractions to an insignificant level.