The Power of Focusing on One Thing at a Time in the Classroom

Ana Jereb Author

Are you feeling burned out already? Here I want to talk about why doing less can help you achieve more this year

We teachers often start the year full of enthusiasm, juggling numerous projects and ambitious goals. However, this enthusiasm (who here actually knows how to juggle?!?) can quickly give way to overwhelm and burnout when resolutions fall apart. What if the key to sustained success and satisfaction lies in focusing on just one thing at a time? In this blog post, we’ll explore how narrowing your focus can actually improve teaching quality, reduce stress by a lot, and boost professional fulfilment (yes, this is the part where I say YOU CAN LOVE YOUR JOB AGAIN and pump my fist in the air). I’ll also provide research-backed evidence, practical examples, and a couple frameworks to help you decide where to channel your energy.

Science says Focus is Key

Narrowing your focus has profound benefits, not just anecdotally but also in terms of scientific evidence. Here are five studies that highlight the power of focusing on one goal:

1. Goal-Setting Theory: Edwin Locke and Gary Latham’s research demonstrates that specific, challenging goals enhance performance compared to vague, generalized goals.

   Goal-Setting Theory emphasizes the importance of setting clear, specific objectives that are both challenging and attainable. For teachers, this could mean breaking down ambitious goals like "improve student outcomes" into smaller, actionable tasks, such as "implement formative assessments weekly." Research shows that these defined goals not only improve performance but also provide a sense of accomplishment, which boosts motivation.

   Source: Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance.

   The whole text is available for free here: https://archive.org/details/theoryofgoalsett0000lock.

2. Cognitive Load Theory: John Sweller’s work shows that reducing cognitive load improves learning outcomes, emphasizing the importance of simplifying tasks.

   Cognitive Load Theory suggests that our working memory has limited capacity, so overloading it with too much information can hinder learning and productivity. For teachers, simplifying tasks—both for themselves and their students—can lead to better outcomes. For example, instead of tackling multiple new teaching methods at once, focus on mastering one strategy, like flipped classrooms. Simplification not only aids retention but also reduces stress.

   Suggested reading: Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning.

   Learn more on the Cognitive Load Wikipedia page.

3. The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule): Studies applying this principle in education reveal that focusing on 20% of efforts can yield 80% of results (mind blowing, isn’t it??).

   The Pareto Principle posits that a small portion of efforts often leads to the majority of results. For teachers, this means identifying the "vital few" tasks—like formative assessments or high-impact teaching techniques—that make the biggest difference in student learning. By prioritizing these tasks, you can achieve significant outcomes without exhausting yourself. For instance, focus on creating one highly effective lesson plan each week rather than perfecting every lesson.

   You can read more about this in Koch, R. (1997). The 80/20 Principle. Available here: https://archive.org/details/books-the-80-20-principle-the-secret-to-success-by-achieving-more-with-less_201911.

4. Mindfulness and Focus: Research from Harvard suggests that people who focus on the task at hand are significantly happier than those whose minds wander.

   Killingsworth and Gilbert’s study underscores the connection between focus and happiness. Teachers who stay present during lesson planning or grading sessions, rather than worrying about future tasks, experience less stress and greater satisfaction. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as focusing on your breath for a minute before starting a task, can help cultivate this presence of mind.

   Source: Killingsworth, M. A., & Gilbert, D. T. (2010). A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind. Full article available here: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/A_Wandering_Mind_Is_an_Unhappy_Mind.pdf.

5. Attention Restoration Theory: Studies in educational psychology show that sustained focus followed by restorative breaks enhances productivity.

   Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory highlights how mental fatigue can be alleviated through restorative environments or activities, such as spending time in nature or engaging in hobbies. Teachers can apply this by scheduling intentional breaks between intense tasks, like grading and lesson planning. These breaks not only restore focus but also boost overall productivity.

   Kaplan, S. (1995). The Restorative Benefits of Nature. While the theory primarily discusses natural settings, its principles apply broadly to activities that provide mental refreshment.

5 Examples of "One Thing" to Focus On

Choosing one area to improve can feel daunting, but here are five things you could try:

1. Time Management
   • Focus on refining your scheduling system to allocate more time for planning and rest. For example, implement a "time-blocking" strategy, setting specific hours for lesson planning, grading, and personal time. Use tools like Google Calendar or Notion to stay organized, or do the same with pen and paper.
2. Feedback Systems
   • Prioritize improving how you deliver feedback to students. Experiment with a structured approach like the "feedback sandwich" (positive, critique, positive) or introduce audio feedback for detailed, personalized insights. This small change can significantly impact student learning. You can use Zoom to record it and share with students, or use a tool like Loom.
3. Student Engagement
   • Dedicate the term to finding one new way to engage your students. For example, integrate gamification techniques like Kahoot quizzes or classroom challenges to make lessons more interactive. Little goes a long way with gamification, and you can often reuse the ‘games’ you create.
4. Professional Development
   • Choose one skill to develop. For example, focus on improving your ability to teach writing by completing a short course or reading books by authors like Jeremy Harmer or Penny Ur. Apply these strategies directly in your lessons as you read. Journal and reflect on how it went. Then adapt and repeat.
5. Self-Care and Wellbeing
   • Focus on your physical and mental health. Set a goal like practicing mindfulness daily for five minutes or ensuring you have a balanced workload by saying "no" to additional responsibilities. Loving Kindness has been proven to reduce stress and foster a better quality of life. So for your one thing, you could try the Loving Kindness meditation for five minutes each day.

Practical Frameworks for Deciding What to Focus On

Deciding where to channel your energy is crucial. Here are two frameworks—one rooted in personal values and another in student needs—to help you choose your "one thing."

Framework 1: Using Values to Decide

1. Identify Core Values: Reflect on what matters most to you. Is it work-life balance, professional growth, or making an impact on your students?
2. Assess Alignment: Look at your current practices and see how well they align with these values.
3. Prioritize: Choose the area with the biggest gap between your values and actions. For example, if you value creativity but feel stuck in repetitive teaching methods, focus on innovation.
4. Set a SMART Goal: Define a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goal. For instance, "Integrate one creative activity into my lessons each week for the next three months."
5. Monitor Progress: Regularly review your progress and adjust as needed.

Framework 2: Using Student Needs Analysis

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment: Use surveys, interviews, or observations to identify what your students need most. For example, do they struggle with writing fluency or lack motivation?
2. Analyze Results: Look for common trends or pressing issues.
3. Match Needs to Focus Areas: Align one teaching goal with a key student need. For instance, if students need more speaking practice, focus on creating more communicative activities.
4. Plan and Implement: Develop a clear plan for addressing this need. For example, "Add one pair or group discussion activity per lesson for the next term."
5. Evaluate and Adjust: Gather feedback from students to ensure the focus is meeting their needs and adjust your approach if necessary.

Making It Work for You

Remember, as beneficial as focusing on one thing is for you, the same principle applies to your students. Less truly is more in the classroom. Simplifying your lessons and focusing on one core concept at a time can help students grasp ideas more effectively, reducing their cognitive load and fostering deeper understanding.

By narrowing your focus, you’re not limiting your potential—you’re setting yourself up for meaningful, sustainable growth. Whether you choose to refine your time management, improve your feedback systems, or prioritize your wellbeing, focusing on one thing at a time can help you achieve more with less stress.

Ready to take the first step? Join my free webinar on how to decide your "one thing" and start 2025 with clarity and confidence.

If you enjoyed this post, share it with a fellow teacher who might benefit. And don’t forget to join my Facebook group for more tips, discussions, and support on teacher wellbeing.

Categories: : goal setting, Plans, Resolutions, Wellbeing