Marissa Brown - Personalized Learning Portfolio - Standard 1: Executive Function

Executive Function refers to a set of skills that include self-monitoring, planning and prioritizing, task initiation, organization, impulse, and emotional control, flexible thinking, and working memory. Since humans are not born with these skills it is important that we teach these skills to students to ensure they are productive and successful (Harvard, 2021). Studies have shown the link between executive function and academic achievement amongst all age groups.

As educators, we can help students obtain these strategies by creating daily routines and procedures, showing students how to prioritize their time, providing checklists and teaching students how to create their own when completing tasks, and breaking assignments and projects down into smaller pieces. Working memory allows students to grasp and keep new information, and then apply it when needed. Mental flexibility allows students to focus on a task or assignment, when needed students are able to shift their attention to another assignment or environment. Self-control and emotional control allows students to overcome impulses - think before they speak, or act in some cases. Students need organizational skills to help keep track of assignments, notes, and information. Executive function can help students be academically successful.

Planners and Agenda Books

Writing in agenda books or planners allows students to practice the executive function skill of This year students were introduced to agenda books (planners). Every day we spend time in science either the first ten minutes of class or the last ten minutes of class working on updating our agenda books to ensure we are aware of upcoming assignments or lessons. According to the Center of Transformative Teaching & Learning, the use of paper planners can benefit students and help them with Executive Function by establishing a habit of tracking their homework, long-term assignments, and assessments (Cttl, 2021). It also allows them to chunk their assignments or long-term assignments and remember to gather any supplies and materials that may be needed for the week.

Copy of Rocket Mission Overview and Components

Checklist/Due Dates for Projects

Students are given a checklist for the various parts of projects. As seen in the above Google Doc - students have a blueprint to complete (one of three required parts) and they have a place to check off once they've included the component. In addition, although the project has a final due date students are given the opportunity to create their own due dates, then write down the day they completed that task so they can reflect on task completion and initiation at the end of the project. Adding a checklist and due dates allows students to build on their planning and prioritizing skills. T

Developing, teaching and practicing routines

Developing, teaching, and practicing routines is another way to help with executive function in the classroom. Every day on my whiteboard I hand write our AKS, learning goal, and the agenda along with the date on the board. On another part of the whiteboard, there are written reminders such as homework or assessment dates. In addition, any team/school reminders on below the class reminders. As seen in the image below, students were doing a Solar Oven project and I outlined what they needed to accomplish by the end of the day. They are reminded daily how to enter the classroom and what should be on their desk before class begins to ensure they are ready to learn. Everything that will be done continuously should be practiced and re-practiced throughout the year (Scully, 2019). Therefore, I have made it a conscious effort to be sure to have my classroom entrance expectations on the board posted, and review the agenda and the reminders as well.

Organizing Table of Contents

In addition, we practice updating our table of contents at the beginning of the class to ensure we maintain an organized notebook. This ensures students can go back and review content when they are reviewing for assessments or refer back to notes when completing assignments or participating in classroom discussions. Writing in our table of contents helps with the organization aspect of executive function. This is a routine and procedure we on an almost daily task depending on the agenda for the day. As seen above student table of contents.

Timers

Timers address the executive function skill that focuses on planning and task initiation. This tool can be used to help students manage their time wisely. They are a great tool to embed in your daily lessons when students are working on independent or collaborative work. By utilizing and implementing timers students focus on task initiation because they are aware of the time frame they must complete the work. You can embed timers in just about any lesson. There are a variety of options on Youtube and various websites. Some come with soothing music and some come with visuals such as relaxing beach scenes. Students should be able to glance up from their assignment or task and see how much time they have left (Executive Function and Self-Regulation: Skills and Disorder, 2019). It is free and can be found on any search engine or Youtube.

Quizlet

Quizlet is a great tool for students and teachers to utilize. Teachers can create flash cards and assign them through their preferred platforms. In addition, students can also create their own or edit ones already created by other users and share them with their peers or teachers. Quizlet can be accessed on most technology devices such as smartphones, tablets/iPads, and laptops. It can be taken with students where ever they are. Flashcards like the ones on Quizlet help students with their working memory skills. With consistent practice, students can work on retaining information well after their lesson.

Classroom Screen

Classroomscreen.com is a great tool for both teachers and students to utilize. Teachers and students can embed a timer on the screen and create a to-do list for students. It can be used to create groups for collaborative work, created and give a poll/survey, show a calendar, roll the dice, and more. In addition, there is a work symbol - collaborative work, silent/independent work. The sound meter will ding whenever the volume it too loud according to your settings. It's a free tool for students and teachers. Classroomscreen can work on time management and task initaiton.

Cttl, T. (2021, November 30). Planners for Executive Functioning. The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.thecttl.org/2021/01/28/executive-functioning/#:%7E:text=Effective%20use%20of%20paper%20planners,and%20long%2Dterm%20goals%20and

Executive Function and Self-Regulation: Skills and Disorder. (2019, June). Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://therapyshoppe.com/teachers-spot/170-executive-function-and-self-regulation-skills-and-disorder

Harvard University. (2021). Executive Function and Self-Regulation. Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/

Scully, K. (2019, November 2). 15+ Executive Functioning Strategies Every Teacher Can Use. The Pathway 2 Success. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.thepathway2success.com/15-executive-functioning-strategies-every-teacher-can-use/