Deciding to focus on specific information makes it easier to identify critical information for the goal because the student can give that input full concentration and ignore distractions. In another example of selective attention, a student listens to announcements in a train station. In addition to comprehension, selective attention can also be used with the production modalities. Selective attention is useful for a variety of tasks, especially if the goal requires the student to understand or give specific information. During the planning process of a task students can use selective attention to decide in advance on what to focus their attention to reach their goals.
Students can use the strategy to keep attention focused during the task.
For problem-solving, selective attention helps students to identify information they do not know in order to pinpoint problems and expand learning. After completing a task, students can use selective attention to decide if they identified information necessary for the task and to help them decide on plans for the future. Selective attention is a powerful learning technique that enables students to take control of their own learning by learning how to control their attention throughout all phases of a language task. In 1994, as one of several changes aimed at strengthening the high school diploma, the Pennsylvania State Department of Education added foreign languages to the list of core subject areas. After consultation with the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association, the Board set a foreign language proficiency requirement for high school graduation.