Executive Function (EF) refers to the essential mental processes that help us plan, organize, solve problems, manage emotions, and regulate our actions. These skills are crucial in everyday life and especially vital for success in learning environments. For students, EF plays a critical role in their ability to break down large assignments, prioritize tasks, manage distractions, and follow through with plans. However, challenges in EF can lead to struggles with procrastination, time management, and emotional regulation.
At Lee Pesky Learning Center, our Academic Coaching program provides personalized support to students from middle school through college who face EF challenges. Using our Self-Regulated Learner framework, we focus on building habits that lead to tangible, lasting results. We emphasize that micro changes lead to meaningful progress, celebrating each step forward and helping students adjust their goals along the way.
Supporting Students with Executive Functioning Challenges
Parents often wonder how to best support their teens or young adults struggling with EF issues. Here are a few insights we’ve gathered from our coaching sessions:
- Define Success Together: Collaboratively set specific goals. Success might look like straight A’s, completing assignments on time, or simply giving their best effort in each class.
- Embrace Mistakes: Allowing students to experience failure teaches them resilience and fosters problem-solving skills.
- Listen More Than Teach: Often, students just want to feel heard and understood. By listening without judgment, parents can create a supportive environment that encourages growth.
A Coaching Success Story
Meet Jane, a 15-year-old student navigating a hybrid school environment. Jane struggled with goal setting, prioritizing, managing distractions, and time management. Through academic coaching, we identified her strengths and built small, achievable goals. Her first step was simple: use a paper planner twice a week, even if it was just for doodling.
As Jane progressed, we adjusted her goals and celebrated milestones. Over time, her use of the planner became a daily habit, allowing her to track assignments independently. The most remarkable change wasn’t just her improved EF skills but her newfound self-confidence. Jane began advocating for herself, seeking support when needed, and adapting when challenges arose. Her journey highlights how small, consistent efforts can lead to significant growth.
How LPLC Can Help
If your student is facing EF challenges, we’re here to help. Our academic coaching sessions empower students to build the skills they need to succeed, leveraging their strengths to address areas of growth. Together, we can help your student gain confidence, independence, and the tools to navigate their learning journey.
If you would like more information about our one-on-one services, please contact our intake coordinator at (208) 333-0008 or [email protected].
