For example, a child may feel an interest in studies which the teacher loves and praises before his intelligence has grown to appreciate fully their importance. The power of attention increases with mental development and is proportioned to the years of the child. The power of steady and prolonged attention belongs to mature minds. Lack of interest in the subject. Some other physical condition.
Distraction is the division of the attention among several interests and is the foe of all learning.
If apathy or distraction comes from fatigue or illness, the wise teacher will not attempt to force the lesson. Let it go for the time. Be sympathetic, give an encouraging talk, or let the students rest. The influence of shock extends also to the mind. A sudden appeal made to any mental faculty awakens us like the sudden shaking of a sleeper's shoulder.