How to Strengthen Executive Function for Students
Posted by Erica Warren on
Most teachers have excellent executive functioning skills, so when they come across students that struggle in this arena, they may have little compassion or patience. For many students, executive functioning is relatively easy. However, for some, tasks that require self-initiation, planning, time management, and organization, to name a few, can be an immense struggle.
What is Executive Functioning and Does it Impact Learning?
Executive functioning is much like the conductor of one's brain. It is a mental process that gathers and creates meaning from sensory information. Allowing us to makes sense of what we experience, executive functioning also enables focused attention, metacognitive skills, and helps us to relate new content to prior knowledge.
Executive functioning affects learning because it is the lens through which we perceive the world around us. Good executive functioning skills enable students to quickly and effectively absorb and assimilate new lessons. In contrast, executive functioning problems, can make it very challenging to process sensory inputs, make sense of information, and respond to any learning content.
What is Executive Functioning Disorder?
What Are Some Symptoms of Executive Functioning Problems?
- Trouble maintaining a planner.
- Difficulty planning projects and leaving them to the last minute.
- Misplacing handouts, notebooks, and other school supplies.
- Problems getting assignments done in a reasonable amount of time.
- Trouble self-initiating homework.
- Problems maintaining attention.
- Difficulty keeping track of possessions.
- Trouble following a sequence of directives.
- Difficulty transitioning from class to class or task to task.
- Trouble remembering appointments.
- Difficulty keeping bookbags, lockers, and desks organized.
- Problems managing emotions.
How Can I Be Tested for Executive Functioning Problems?
How Can We Accommodate and Teach Executive Functioning Skills?
- Be supportive and patient.
- Support a structured, daily routine.
- Teach students how to set priorities.
- Maintain a consistent homework system.
- Break large responsibilities into manageable chunks.
- Create task lists.
- Generate deadlines to illustrate time management skills.
- Teach effective study skills.
- Review test-taking tactics.
- Provide positive reinforcement.
- Utilize organizers to plan ideas before writing.
- Demonstrate metacognitive skills and think aloud.
Where Can I Find Ready Made Exercises that Develop Executive Functioning?
Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren
- Blog: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news
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