E XECUTIVE F UNCTION C OACHING : P RACTICAL S TRATEGIES Lisa Woodcock-Burroughs, Ph.D. C ENTER FOR N EUROPSYCHOLOGY, L EARNING & D EVELOPMENT A NN A RBOR CNLD.org CNLD.org

G OALS FOR T ODAY 1. Define Executive Functions (EF) 2. Give examples of ways to improve and support EF

Metaphor for Executive Functions (EF) EFs are the brain’s conductor, which instructs other regions to perform, or be silenced, and generally coordinates their synchronized activity (Goldberg, 2001)

EF S KILLS HELP WITH School: Remember information, follow directions, avoid distractions, control impulses, persist at problem solving, complete and turn in assignments, study for tests, create and follow timelines. Behaviors: Friendships, teamwork, leadership, decision-making, critical thinking, adaptability, self- awareness and controlling emotions. Health: Good choices about nutrition & exercise, resist peer pressure regarding drugs or unprotected sex and cope with stress. Work: Organization, innovation, flexibility, problem solving, planning, adjust to changing circumstances- all to increase potential for economic success.

Metacognition (thinking) Behavior Regulation Working Memory Initiate Plan/Organize Inhibit Shift Emotional Control Monitor Organization of Materials E XECUTIVE F UNCTIONS

Executive Functions- How to Help Be developmentally appropriate! Pay attention to emotional and behavioral responses to tasks once you know child’s EF weaknesses (e.g., initiation, shifting, organization). Task avoidance might be because they cannot do it given their EF struggles or delays. What EF’s are required by the task and does the teen possesses these skills (e.g., initiation and sequencing or working memory; managing social conflict)?

Foundation for Intervention Utilize the 5-Step Model: Utilize the 5-Step Model: Model Model Teach Teach Cue Cue Reinforce with Praise/Humor Reinforce with Praise/Humor Fade Fade

Executive Function Coaching Helps with: Helps with: Planning and Organizing Planning and Organizing Goal Setting Goal Setting Strategic Thinking Strategic Thinking Study Skills Study Skills Test-taking Strategies Test-taking Strategies Time Management (Procrastination, Perfectionism, etc.) Time Management (Procrastination, Perfectionism, etc.) Memory & Working Memory Memory & Working Memory Self-Awareness & Resiliency Self-Awareness & Resiliency

Elementary Level Classroom Structure Visuals Analog versus Digital Clocks Calendars Schedules Lists

Middle School Level Classroom Structure Hidden Directions Analog versus Digital Clocks Calendars Schedules Lists Technology

High School Level Classroom Structure Visuals Analog versus Digital Clocks Calendars Schedules Lists Technology Maps

College Level and Beyond Balancing Competing Demands Dealing with Distractions

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References Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents: A Practical Guide to Assessment and Intervention. Dawson & Guare: Guilford. Working Memory and Academic Learning: Assessment & Intervention. Dehm: Wiley. Executive Function in Education: From Theory to Practice. Meltzer : Guilford. Promoting Executive Function in the Classroom. Meltzer : Guilford.

References Study Power: Study Skills to Improve Your Learning and Your Grades. Luckie & Smethurst: Brookline Books. Learning to Learn: Strengthening Study Skills & Brain Power. Frender: Incentive Publications. Smart but Scattered. Dawson & Guare: Guilford. Late, Lost and Unprepared. Cooper-Kahn & Dietzel: Woodbine House.

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