How Does Instructional Design Affect the Executive Function? -

There are two parts in the design of any course. There is the content itself (the subject matter you are an expert in) as well as the instructional design.

A lot of instructors begin their careers as online educators due to the fact that they understand their subject matter very proficiently. If they've not taken teaching courses, they usually must learn a great deal about how to deliver this information.

One psychological idea that is pertinent to instructional design as well as student achievement is the concept of executive function.

"Executive role" is the term for the mental processes that control the flow of thoughts, recall the instructions given, organize and keep focus. Individuals have varying levels of executive function. Many are born with higher levels of executive function, which is characterized by the ability to stay concentrated and "in the moment" whenever it is necessary. Others, such as those with ADHD are afflicted with weak executive functions and are unable to stay on task.

It is possible for executive functions to improve over the course of time. It can also be diminished through stress, anxiety, or trauma. A person who is struggling with executive dysfunction requires an instructor who is mindful of the issues. They can also assist students by making design decisions that aid learners' ability to focus while also eliminating distractions. Here's how.

1. Remove distractions and visual clutter.

Anyone who defines themselves as "easily disorientable" recognizes how hard to remain focused. A lesson with menus, sidebars, or buttons can be arousing for attention. Students with problems with executive function may be trying their best to resist these opportunities. But the effort required to resist them becomes a drain on their ability to learn. They may avoid navigating off screens, but it hinders them from remembering important material, and it is possible that they will leave faster because they feel burnt out.

2. Visual cues can be used to create hierarchy and establish priority.

Many learners who struggle in executive functioning also have a difficult time in setting priorities and making plans. When they have multiple tasks that they are unable to complete, they might delay doing one due to the fact that they aren't able to make their decisions.

Aid in removing your learners' doubts by establishing tasks with priorities. As well, you can arrange the information on your site to show what is the essential. Utilize headers to help students navigate through the text. Beware of filling out boxes with unnecessary information. Make sure to label important information your learners need to remember.

3. Post a schedule and create reminders.

Time management is a key executive function task. Even though you cannot control your students, you don't have to leave everything up to them. In terms of time management, support your learners by sharing the course schedule and reminding them of deadlines. Include time estimations for what time you believe each stage will require. This will help the student decide when they'll get the work done, and can reduce delay if they know that the next step will only be a matter of minutes.

4. Utilize visual aids to aid students remember the steps.

Infographics along with other types of visual aids will also aid learners in remembering the steps. This is crucial in fields where thoroughness and attention to particulars are essential quality. Develop an infographic that guides learners through the steps to reduce instances of user error that are caused by memory issues.

5. Make branching situations to encourage emotion control, control of impulses and self-monitoring.

6. Apply gamification to encourage learners by introducing tasks.

Those with executive function problems are usually serial procrastinators. Not only do these learners have difficulty focusing on what they're doing, but they have a difficult time even starting. Gamification can improve task starting. Gamification builds engagement and lowers the obstacles to completing learning. Add in a simple gaming element, and learning will be enjoyable.

Here are some simple strategies that can be easily added to gamification

7. Check in with learners who are falling behind.

In the end, if an individual struggling with their learning and is struggling, don't let them struggle on their own. Be proactive in reaching out to your learners and ask them for assistance. Provide time slots for connecting through video chat. Create a list of options to offer to support them that are manageable for you.

Executive function problems are common However, your class can help learners stay focused.

Many learners struggle with executive functioning issues. These may present as distractedness frequent mistakes, tardiness at homework, inattention, and general discontent.

Instructors You have plenty of the tools you need to help your students. Create a course that minimizes distracting students, allows them to establish priorities, makes engagement easier as well as visually showing priority. By using these methods, you'll have come an extensive way in aiding your learners in their success.

Check out how learners can stay focused when they explore the video today.