Rest breaks aid directed attention and learning

ABSTRACT Objective When students learn or solve problems, attentional resources are depleted; rest breaks may restore cognitive functioning in support of learning. Research framed by attention restoration theory holds that exposure to natural environments may be another means to restore attentional resources. The study investigated the effects of alternative rest break formats on learning a challenging mental mathematics strategy. Method Students first completed a series of timed arithmetic tests expected to deplete attentional resources. Students in the control condition proceeded directly onto a mental mathematics lesson, while students in the unstructured rest and nature-based rest conditions took a 5-min break before the lesson. All students then completed a self-reported questionnaire on directed attention levels during the lesson, then completed a problem-solving post-test. Results The unstructured rest condition reported higher levels of directed attention during the lesson than the control condition; no other comparisons were statistically significant. The unstructured rest condition solved more post-test problems than the control condition, and the nature-based rest condition also solved more problems than the control condition. The post-test score difference between the two rest conditions was not statistically significant. Conclusions The study provided clearer evidence for the general benefits of rest than for the additional benefits of nature-based rest. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Attentional resources depleted by challenging tasks can be restored by unstructured rest breaks. (2) Rests based on exposure to nature may also restore attentional resources. (3) Both actual and video-based nature exposures have restorative effects. What this topic adds: (1) This study compares the effects of unstructured and video-based nature rest on learning a complex cognitive skill. (2) Both unstructured and nature-based rest breaks enhanced learning. (3) Instructional designers should plan for rest breaks in lessons on complex topics.