Multitasking is a Real Challenge for Young Brains
Multitasking is “in.” Unfortunately, not for teenagers. Studies clearly show that it is difficult for adolescent brains to concentrate on multiple things simultaneously. This is particularly evident in tasks that require various skills – for example, writing an essay for the Gymnasium entrance exam. This requires an idea, structuring, style, grammar, and spelling. A classic problem for teenagers: once they have an idea, they only focus on getting it down on paper – and structure, style, and spelling fall by the wayside. The solution here is to separate the individual steps chronologically: first, consider the idea, then the structure, then write it down, then read through and pay attention to the style, and finally, improve grammar and spelling. Students who have internalized this approach through repeated practice and application write better texts, as a Dutch study group beautifully demonstrated in early 2018 (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017–16718-001).
We strive to guide our students towards good writing within the framework of our gymnasium preparation and tutoring. Furthermore, we aim to practice the formal and orthographic basics so often that they consume as little precious brainpower as possible on exam day, leaving as much brain capacity as possible available for content and style. It’s like a dancer: only when one masters positions, steps, and choreography in their sleep can they truly begin to dance. And only then does it become enjoyable.
We would be happy to advise you personally in our classrooms in the heart of Zurich!
