How does Instructional Design Influence Executive Function? -
There are two parts to designing any course. It's the content (the subject matter you are knowledgeable about) as well as the instructional design.
Many instructors start out in online education because they know their subjects extremely thoroughly. If they've not taken the teaching course, they generally have a lot to learn regarding how to present the content.
One psychological idea that is important to the design of instructional programs and the student's success is that of executive function.
"Executive task" is the name used to describe the higher-order brain processes that manage impulses, remember the instructions given, organize and keep focus. Individuals have varying capacities for executive functioning. Many are born with higher levels, and are characterized by their ability to stay focused and "in the moment" as much as necessary. Others, such as those suffering from ADHD are afflicted with poor executive functioning and have difficulty to remain focused.
Executive function can improve over time. However, it can be affected through stress, anxiety, or trauma. Anyone struggling with executive dysfunction requires an instructor who is aware of those difficulties. Instructors can also help learners through design choices that support a learner's ability to focus while also eliminating distractions. Here's how.
1. Get rid of the visual distractions and distracting objects.
Anyone who defines themselves as "easily distractable" is aware of how hard to remain focused. A lesson with menus, sidebars, or buttons beg for their focus. Students with problems with executive function might be trying to resist these opportunities. But the effort it takes to avoid these temptations can be a burden on their learning. It is possible that they avoid the screen, but the effort keeps them from remembering key content, and they may be more likely to leave because they feel exhausted.
2. Utilize visual cues to determine hierarchy and importance.
A lot of learners struggling with executive function struggle to establish priorities and create plans. If they see several tasks that they are unable to complete, they might avoid doing them because they can't make up their minds.
Make it easier for your student to overcome their fears by setting task priorities. As well, you can arrange the details on your website in order to highlight what's the essential. Utilize headers to help students navigate through text blocks. Beware of filling out boxes with unnecessary information. Label important information that the students must remember.
3. Create a calendar and post calendars.
The management of time is an essential job of the executive. Although you aren't able to hold your students, you shouldn't leave it all up to them. In terms of time management, you can help your learners by sharing the course schedule and send reminders to students for due dates. Include time estimations for how long you think every step could require. This will help the student decide when they'll finish their task, and can reduce delay if they know that the next task will take a few minutes.
4. Utilize visual aids to aid students remember the steps.
Infographics as well as other tools for visuals can also help learners remember processes. This is essential in situations where attention to particulars are essential quality. Make an infographic to guide users through steps that will minimize the chances of errors caused by poor memory.
5. Make branching situations to encourage impulse control, emotional control, and self-monitoring.
6. Gamify learning to help students by introducing tasks.
Those with executive function problems are typically frequent procrastinators. These learners not only find it difficult to concentrate on the task they're doing, but they have a difficult time even starting. Gamification could help with task-related initiation. Gamification builds engagement and lowers barriers for starting the course. Add in a simple gameplay element, and the process is fun.
Here are some simple strategies that can be easily added to gamification
7. Make sure you check in with students that are lagging behind.
Finally, if you notice a learner is struggling do not let them flounder alone. Make sure you reach at your students and ask them for help. Provide time slots for connecting via video chat. You can think of some solutions you might offer to support them that are manageable for you.
The problem of executive function is common However, your class can assist students in keeping their focus.
A lot of learners have executive functioning issues. These may present as distractedness, repeated mistakes, late work, absentmindedness, and general frustration.
Instructors as an instructor, you have access to instruments to assist your learners. Design a course that reduces the distraction of students, assists them in creating prioritization, which makes it easier to engage and clearly demonstrates the importance. Utilizing these techniques and strategies, you'll be able to go far in helping your learners to success.
Learn how students can keep their attention on the video today.