Executive Function
Coaching
A cycle of goal setting, progress monitoring, and problem-solving to help students accel in college.
What is Executive Functioning?
In a nutshell, Executive Functioning is our ability to make decisions in the short term that help us achieve long-term goals. Executive functioning helps us not fall prey to short-term gratification, avoid distractions, plan, and prioritize. There are eleven key executive functioning skills:
Working Memory: The ability to hold information in your head while you're using it, as well as the ability to apply prior experiences to future experiences/learn from your mistakes.
Task Initiation: The ability to begin a task
Response Inhibition: The ability to think before you act
Planning/Prioritization: The ability to create a roadmap to reach a goal or to complete a task. It also involves being able to make decisions about what's important to focus on and what's not important.
Emotional Control: The ability to manage your emotions/not explode
Organization: The ability to keep track of information and materials.
Sustained Attention: The ability to maintain attention once you begin a task.
Time Management: The ability to effectively manage your time
Flexibility: The ability to switch activities or accept different ways to do something.
Metacognition: The ability to think about your thinking/reflect
Goal-Directed Persistence: The ability to work towards a goal (across multiple assignments)
What's Executive Function Coaching?
Executive Function coaching is a cycle of goal setting, progress monitoring, and problem-solving. I am your partner in setting and reaching the goals you set for yourself. You should not view your coach as an authority figure, but as a teammate and partner helping you navigate school.
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Getting to Know You and Goal Setting
Your first meeting with me may be longer than typical as I work to get to know you, help you think through your strengths and weaknesses, and set short and long-term goals.
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Regular Coaching Sessions
We create a schedule and meet regularly to check in about your goals, help solve any problems that have come up, and make a study plan. You might stay at this step for a trimester or more, especially if you decide to add or modify goals as you progress. Daily coaching follows the basic structure:
- Review plan from previous coaching session
- Evaluate how it went, what went well what needed improvement
- Anticipate what tasks need to be completed today, and what's coming up and due soon
- Plan how and when to complete each task.
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Fading
The eventual goal of coaching is to not need it anymore! I will help you make a plan to reduce coaching sessions, and eventually, you will be able to apply what you've learned independently!
How can coaching help you or your family member?
Here are just some examples of situations from current and previous students where I stepped in.
Academic Accountability
"My child struggled to keep up with the demands of college last semester. I’d like you to be his accountability partner. You’ll be the “boots on the ground”; someone he has to be accountable to”.
Yes! I met with this student weekly for one semester. We reviewed and discussed deadlines and strategies to help him manage his workload.
Life Accountibility
"I need support to get all my documents in to apply to college. I don’t know how to manage this. Can you help?"
Yes! Together we'll chart a course of action. At each session, we work on one of the steps until the application process is completed.
Study Skills
"High school was very easy. I made the honor roll without ever studying. I’m not doing well in college; I don’t have any study skills. Where do I start?
We will begin by reviewing each syllabus and writing due dates in your planner. Do you have a desk that you can work at? Do you prefer to read from a book or online? Have you made any friends in your classes?
Why Struggle?
It’s okay to get help! It’s not a sign of weakness, and it has nothing to do with intelligence. In fact, it demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to take responsibility for your well-being.
Everyone encounters challenges and situations where additional support is beneficial, whether it's dealing with personal issues, navigating complex decisions, or working through emotional difficulties.
There are times when you just need someone to help you untangle the chaos. Seeking help can provide clarity, guidance, and a fresh perspective
