Introduction
The question of how to increase learner engagement, achievement and inclusion is a consistent theme in the realm of professional development for educators. Over the past decade, I have seen many new trends, theories, programmes and systems emerge to help us engage learners and help them achieve. Yet, within years, these are replaced by yet another trend or theory.
What if the solution was a bit simpler? What if the disengaged learner is simply the confused learner? Perhaps the habit of providing an over-abundance of information, tools and instruction has led to an overwhelmed learner who is unable to process the essential information.
'Microinstruction' is a habit of instruction that seeks to simplify the learning process for students, parents, advocates and educators by condensing how information is organised, presented and assessed. In short, the problem with learner disengagement is not the information itself, but how information is presented and packaged for the learner. If a learner cannot find and use information, its relevance is lost. However, if we can change our habits in how these items are presented, this will lead to more effective long-term results.
Think of the instructional process as being similar to a wave – a giant wave of information that includes expectations, organisation, content and assessment that overwhelms the learner. It takes the learner longer to understand how to find and use the relevant information than to actually show or develop understanding.