Exploring the Relationship Between Digital Device Use, English Academic Performance, and Attention Span in Primary Students
List of Authors
Ng Yu Jin, Ooi Yoke Ying
Keyword
Mobile device use, English academic performance, attention span, technology and education, student focus and attention
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between the use of digital devices, English academic performance, and attention span among lower primary students. Specifically, it aims to identify how digital device use affects lower primary students’ English academic performance and examine the connection between digital device use and attention span in lower primary students. As technology has become a part of children’s daily lives, the effects on children’s academic performance and attention span have raised concerns among educators and parents. This research focuses on how the time spent on mobile devices may influence the students’ attention span and English academic performance. The study draws an overview of mobile device use among lower primary students, highlighting students’ screen time, focusing span, and English language academic performance. A questionnaire was distributed to 473 lower primary students in the Klang Valley area to collect data on their screen time, and interviews with 7 English language teachers and students’ Term 1 and Term 2 English academic results were collected. Data analysis involves statistical and thematic methods to interpret quantitative and qualitative data findings. The findings highlight the correlation between digital device usage, students’ English performance and their focus span in the classrooms. The findings will help educators and parents understand the influence of digital devices on lower primary students and offer strategies for managing screen time to enhance students’ focus spans and learning experiences.