ABSTRACT
Progressive disclosure is a method of separating options and information into multiple layers, and then presenting those layers on a need-to-know basis to the student. A basic form of progressive disclosure occurs when a teacher covers up information on an overhead projector transparency and then progressively uncovers information on the transparency as the lecture proceeds. Learning efficiency benefits greatly from the use of progressive disclosure in this fashion. It is the basis for the spiral approach in education design, where initially just high-level facts are taught without details, and then the details are progressively layered in overtime as learners progress. Information that is progressively disclosed to learners as they need or request it, or to learners who demonstrate readiness for it, is both better received and perceived as more relevant. Progressive disclosure is an effective means of managing information complexity, but it is also an effective means of keeping learning experiences near the edge of learner ability.
