How does Instructional Design Influence the Executive Function? -
There are two parts in the design of any course. It's the content (the subject matter you are experts in) There's also the instructional design.
A lot of instructors begin their careers in online education because they know their subjects very well. But, unless they've had the opportunity to take the teaching course, they generally must learn a great deal about the best way to communicate the material.
One of the psychological concepts that are relevant to both instructional design and student success is that of executive function.
"Executive role" is the term that describes the cognitive processes that regulate impulses, remember the instructions given, organize, and stay focused. Individuals have varying levels of executive function. Many are born with higher levels, and are characterized by their ability to be focussed and "in the present" in the best way possible. Others, such as those suffering from ADHD are afflicted with weak executive functions and are unable to remain focused.
The executive function may improve with the course of time. It can also be diminished due to anxiety, stress or even trauma. A person who is struggling with executive function issues needs an instructor who is mindful of the issues. Teachers can assist learners through design choices that support a learner's ability to prioritize while also getting rid of distracting factors. Here's how.
1. Remove distracting visuals and distractions.
Anyone who defines themselves as "easily distracted" is aware of how hard it is to stay focused. The lessons that have menus, sidebars and buttons beg for their attention. Students with problems with executive function are likely to be trying to avoid these temptations. But the effort it takes to avoid them becomes a drain on the learning process. It is possible that they avoid the screenbut this effort prevents them from retaining key content, and they may leave faster because they feel exhausted.
2. Visual cues can be used to establish hierarchy and priority.
Many learners who struggle in executive functioning also have a difficult time to set priorities and make plans. If they are faced with multiple projects that they are unable to complete, they might avoid doing them since they don't know how to organize their mind.
Make it easier for your student to overcome their fears by setting tasks with priorities. Also, arrange content on your website in order to highlight what's the essential. Make use of headers to guide students through blocks of text. Do not fill too many call out boxes that contain unnecessary data. Make sure to label important information the students must remember.
3. Create a calendar and post calendars.
The management of time is an essential executive function task. Although you aren't able to hold your learners, you also don't have to leave everything for them to handle. For time management, you can help your learners by sharing the class schedule as well as send reminders to students for due dates. Include time estimations for the amount of time each step will take. This can help a learner determine when they can complete their work, and can reduce procrastination if they see each step is likely to require a couple of minutes.
4. Visual aids can help learners remember processes.
Infographics and other visual tools can also help learners remember processes. This is essential in situations in which thoroughness and focus on particulars are essential quality. Make an infographic to guide students through steps to decrease the chance of error caused by poor memory.
5. Develop branching scenarios that encourage emotion control, control of impulses, and self-monitoring.
6. Apply gamification to encourage learners with task initiation.
Those with executive function problems tend to be serial procrastinators. Not only do these learners have difficulty focusing on what they're doing, but they struggle to even get started. Gamification can improve task starting. Gaming can increase engagement and reduce barriers for starting the course. Add in a simple gaming element, and learning is fun.
Here are some simple strategies to easily add gamification
7. Check in with learners that are lagging behind.
Finally, if you notice an individual struggling with their learning do not let them flounder alone. Make sure you reach towards your learners and ask them for help. Provide time slots for connecting through video chat. Prepare some options you could offer to support them with options that you can manage for yourself.
Problems with executive function are not uncommon However, your class can aid learners in staying focused.
Most learners face executive functioning issues. These may present as distractedness frequent mistakes, tardiness at homework, inattention, and general frustration.
Instructors, you are not without instruments to assist your learners. Create a course that minimizes the distraction of students, assists them in creating goals, facilitates engagement, and visually demonstrates priority. With these tools will go a long way toward aiding your learners in their success.
Find out how you can help your students stay focused when they explore the video now.