Executive Functions (Part 2): Strategies to Improve Students’ Academic Performance
Wrap Up
Students, especially those with learning difficulties, often struggle academically. One reason that these students struggle is because they have difficulty with executive functions, the mental processes that control and coordinate activities related to learning, such as:
- Processing information
- Retaining and recalling information
- Organizing materials and time
- Using effective learning and study strategies
Because of their difficulties with executive function processes, these students must be explicitly taught how to strategically approach academic tasks in order to gain and use information effectively. In other words, they need to be taught effective study strategies, often referred to as study skills. The table below lists several study skills strategies that can help students who struggle with four critical activities related to learning.
| Processing Information | Retaining and Recalling Information | Organizing Materials and Managing Time | Selecting, Monitoring, and Using Strategies |
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I didn’t really start learning effective study strategies…until the later years in high school. And it was very interesting to see the difference it did make.
Revisiting Initial Thoughts
Think back to your responses to the Initial Thoughts questions at the beginning of this module. After working through the Perspectives & Resources, do you still agree with those responses? If not, what aspects about them would you change?
Is it the responsibility of teachers to teach study skills strategies? Explain your response.
Which study skills strategies can improve students’ academic performance?
When you are ready, proceed to the Assessment section.
