How Does Instructional Design Affect executive function? -

There are two aspects to designing any course. It's the content (the area of study you're experts in), and then there's the instructional design.

A lot of instructors begin their careers in online education because they know their subjects quite proficiently. If they've not taken the teaching course, they generally have a lot to learn about how to deliver that information.

A psychological concept that is important to the design of instructional programs as well as student achievement is the concept of executive function.

"Executive role" is the term to describe the higher-order mental processes that control impulses, remember instructions, plan and remain focused. Different individuals have various capacities for executive functioning. Certain people are born with high levels, and are characterized by their ability to be focussed and "in the moment" as much as necessary. Some, like people with ADHD, have low executive function and struggle to remain focused.

It is possible for executive functions to improve over the course of time. However, it can be affected due to anxiety, stress or even trauma. A person who is struggling with executive functioning issues requires 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 removing distracting factors. Here's how.

1. Remove distracting visuals and distractions.

Any person who describes themselves as "easily disorientable" is aware of how hard to remain focused. The lessons that have menus, sidebars, or buttons can be arousing for focus. People with executive dysfunction might be trying to avoid these distractions. The willpower it takes to avoid them becomes a drain on their ability to learn. It is possible that they avoid the screens, but it hinders them from remembering important material, and it is possible that they will be more likely to leave because they feel burnt out.

2. Use visual cues to determine hierarchy and importance.

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 and tasks, they could put off doing any since they don't know how to organize their mind.

Aid in removing your learners' fears by setting priority tasks for them. As well, you can arrange the information on your site so that you can show what's essential. Use headers to guide learners through text blocks. Do not fill too many call out boxes with unnecessary information. Label important information that the students must remember.

3. Make a schedule, and then create schedules and reminders.

The management of time is an essential job of the executive. Although you aren't able to hold your learners, you also do not have to leave the entire process for them to handle. When it comes to managing time, help your students by posting the course schedule and reminding them of the due dates. Make time estimates of how long you think each step will be. This will help the student determine when they can finish their task as well as reduce the likelihood of procrastination if they see the next task will take a few minutes.

4. Visual aids can help learners retain processes.

Infographics along with other types of visual aids are also a great way to help students remember processes. This is critical in areas in which thoroughness and focus on specifics are required skills. Develop an infographic that guides students through steps to decrease the chance of error due to poor memory.

5. Develop branching scenarios that encourage the control of emotions, impulse control, and self-monitoring.

6. Gamify learning to help students by introducing tasks.

Those with executive function problems tend to be chronic procrastinators. These learners not only find it difficult to concentrate on the task they're working on, they also have a difficult time even starting. Gamification can improve task initiation. Gaming can increase engagement and reduce barriers for starting the course. Include a basic 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 struggling.

In the end, if someone struggling in school, don't leave them to struggle on their own. Take the initiative to reach out to your learners and ask them for assistance. Provide time slots for connecting via video chat. Create a list of options to suggest to help them out which are suitable for your needs.

Executive function problems are common However, your class can assist students in keeping their focus.

Many learners struggle with executive functioning issues. This can manifest in the form of distractedness frequent mistakes, tardiness at homework, inattention, and general discontent.

Instructors You have plenty of instruments to assist your learners. Plan a course to reduce the distraction of students, assists them in creating goals, facilitates engagement, and visually demonstrates priority. With these tools, you'll have come far in making your students successful.

Learn how students can remain focused by exploring the demo right now.