How Does Instructional Design Affect Executive Function? -
There are two parts of designing a course. It's the content (the topic you're an experts in), and then there's the design of your course.
Many instructors start out with online learning since they are familiar with their subjects very well. But, unless they've had the opportunity to take teaching courses, they usually must learn a great deal about the best way to communicate this material.
One of the psychological concepts that are pertinent to instructional design and the student's success is that of executive function.
"Executive function" is the name used for the cognitive processes that regulate emotions, process 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 stay concentrated and "in the present" as much as necessary. Other people, for instance, those with ADHD are afflicted with weak executive functions and are unable to stay on task.
Executive function can improve over the course of time. But it is also affected by factors such as anxiety, stress, or trauma. Anyone struggling with executive function issues needs an instructor who is aware of these issues. Instructors can also help learners by making design decisions that aid learners' ability to focus while also eliminating distracting factors. Here's how.
1. Remove distractions and visual clutter.
If you're someone who describes yourself as "easily distracted" is aware of how hard it is to stay focused. The lessons that have sidebars, menus, and buttons beg for their focus. People with executive dysfunction are likely to be trying to stay away from these tempting temptations. But the effort it takes to avoid them can drain their learning. They may avoid navigating off screenbut this effort hinders them from remembering important information, and they could quit sooner because they are burnt out.
2. Utilize visual cues to establish hierarchy and priority.
The majority of students who have trouble 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 because they can't make up their mind.
Help remove your learner's fears by setting priority tasks for them. Also, arrange details on your website to show what is the essential. Make use of headers to guide students through blocks of text. Do not fill too many call outs with irrelevant information. Label important information that the students must remember.
3. Make a schedule, and then create reminders.
Management of time is an important executive function task. While you can't hand-hold your learners, you also do not have to leave the entire process entirely to them. In terms of managing time, help your learners by sharing the course schedule and sending out reminders for due dates. Make time estimates of what time you believe every step could take. This could help students 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 students remember the steps.
Infographics along with other types of visual aids are also a great way to help students remember the steps. This is essential in situations where thoroughness and attention to detail are requisite quality. Develop an infographic that guides users through steps that will decrease the chance of error that are caused by memory issues.
5. Develop branching scenarios that encourage emotion control, control of impulses, and self-monitoring.
6. Apply gamification to encourage learners by introducing tasks.
The people who have problems with executive functioning are usually chronic procrastinators. They not only struggle to focus on what they're doing, but also are unable to begin. Gamification can improve task initiation. Gaming can increase engagement and reduce the barriers to initiating course work. Add in a simple gameplay element, and the process is fun.
Here are some easy strategies that can be easily added to gamification
7. Check in with learners who are falling behind.
In the end, if a learner is struggling, don't leave them to struggle on their own. Be proactive in reaching out to your learners and asking them if they need assistance. Offer time slots to connect through video chat. You can think of some solutions you might provide to them, which are suitable for your needs.
Problems with executive function are not uncommon however, your course could help learners stay focused.
A lot of learners have executive functions issues. These may present as distractedness frequent mistakes, tardiness at working, apathy, or general discontent.
Instructors, you are not without the tools you need to help your students. Create a course that minimizes the distraction of students, assists them in creating goals, facilitates engagement as well as visually showing priority. By using these methods and strategies, you'll be able to go far in aiding your learners in their success.
Learn how students can keep their attention on the demonstration now.