And attention is mediated by specific parts of the brain. Yet, neural systems fatigue quickly, actually within minutes. They can recover within minutes too, but when they are stimulated in a sustained way, they just are not as efficient. Neurons are like pianos, not organs. They respond to patterned and repetitive, rather than to sustained, continuous stimulation.
Facts are empty without being linked to context and concepts.
When a child is in a familiar and safe situation, as in most of our classrooms, his or her brain will seek novelty. So, if this child hears only factual information, she will fatigue within minutes. If the teacher is not providing that novelty, the brain will go elsewhere. The best presentation, the most engaging and effective teaching, has all three elements. And it is very important how the teacher puts these elements together.