1.00 Two types of attention: Uninterrupted and continuous partial

2022-01-31

Nancy Kline, citing the work of Lorraine Stone says there are two forms of attention: Continuous Partial and Uninterrupted. Essentially, Uninterrupted Attention is what we unrealistically seek in conversation, a meeting, learning environment or whatever, and Continuous Partial Attention is what we get. For instance, when in conversation, although we appear to be given the attention of one or more others, as soon as a phone beeps, that partial attention evaporates and the device is given what we...

Nancy Kline, citing the work of Lorraine Stone says there are two forms of attention: Continuous Partial and Uninterrupted.

Essentially, Uninterrupted Attention is what we unrealistically seek in conversation, a meeting, learning environment or whatever, and Continuous Partial Attention is what we get.

For instance, when in conversation, although we appear to be given the attention of one or more others, as soon as a phone beeps, that partial attention evaporates and the device is given what we sought - Uninterrupted Attention.

For how long can we expect Uninterrupted Attention? What helps us to be given this, and how if at all, can we protect ourselves from the distractions of other felt to be more worthy sources?

What, more personally, can we each do better to show true Uninterrupted Attention when tempted, even expected, to show Continuous Partial?

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