Conscious allocation of cognitive resources to task-relevant thoughts is necessary for learning. However, task-irrelevant thoughts often associated with fear of failure can enter the mind and interfere with learning. Effects like this prompt the question of whether or not learners consciously shift their cognitive resources from task-relevant to task-irrelevant thoughts. This review examines the effect of learners' unconscious cognitive and affective processes on their resource allocation. The review concludes by calling for further research into how learners unconsciously allocate cognitive resources to task-relevant and task-irrelevant thoughts.