Lectio Divina-Inspired Techniques to Nurture Waning Attention Spans

Research shows that student attention spans keep lessening; yet, we still need students to read and interpret texts. Inspired by a technique made famous by early Christian monks, but borrowed from Judaism, lectio divina—with is incumbent four levels of meaning—helps students slow down and spend time reading. For this “teaching tactic,” we think with the four levels of literal, meditative, responsive and contemplative. This tactic provides ancient tools for modern critical thinking.