Executive Function Archives

Activated Learning for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Mainstream, Whole-Class, Executive Function Intervention that is Necessary for Some and Good for All

“Activated Learning” (AL), also called the “EFs2theRescue Pedagogy” in Guare and Dawson’s 3rd edition of Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents, is an adaptive executive function (EF) intervention that aims to facilitate high-impact teaching and learning that is necessary for some and good for all in typical classrooms. AL is a self-regulated learning pedagogy that, among other benefits, allows teachers to support students with learning disabilities (LDs) as part of their everyday teaching. It was developed in 2014 by a special education teacher (the author) and has been championed by hundreds of educators in several school boards in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.

By LDAOeng|July 9th, 2018|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Article, Evidence-Based, Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6)|0 Comments

LEARNING MODULE: An In-Depth Look at Executive Functions

This module is intended to provide an in-depth exploration of executive functions, as they relate to students with learning disabilities (LDs) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), at all grade levels. The eight pillars of executive functioning will be described, along with indicators and strategies for the classroom. You will gain familiarity...

By LDAOeng|June 20th, 2018|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Learning Module, Primary (K-3), Senior (11-12)|0 Comments

LEARNING MODULE: An Introduction to Learning Disabilities in the Classroom

This online module is intended to provide an introduction to literacy, numeracy, executive function, and social and emotional development as well as an introductory overview of Ministry documents such as PPM8 and Learning for All, as they relate to students with learning disabilities.

By LDAOeng|June 20th, 2018|Categories: Executive Function, Literacy, Math, Mental Health & Well-Being|Tags: Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Learning Module, Primary (K-3), Senior (11-12)|0 Comments

WEBINAR RECORDING: Leading the Implementation of Neurodiverse Practice in the Classroom and School

Neurodiversity is a term that refers to the range of neurological differences that occur in the brain as a result of natural variations in the human genome; these neurological differences include attention deficit hyperactive disorder, autism, learning disabilities and dyslexia. Neurodiversity overthrows ableist beliefs and practices that may marginalize students with learning disabilities in the classroom and school community, and embraces the strengths and abilities of individuals with neurological differences, while acknowledging the inherent and associated challenges.

By LDAOeng|October 30th, 2017|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Senior (11-12)|0 Comments

Visual Strategies for Organization and Planning

The goal of this video is to show educators how using visual structure and supports can improve organization and planning in our students.

By LDAOeng|July 24th, 2017|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Practice-Informed, Primary (K-3), Senior (11-12), Video|0 Comments

Metacognition and Assistive Technology

Metacognition is a process that relates to the knowledge that we have of our own strategies and the control that we are able to exert over these strategies in order to solve problems more efficiently. Metacognition is a high-level executive function that draws on our ability to reflect on what we know in order to understand how we function and assess our approach to learning. It is one of the best predictors of school success (Dévolvé, 2005).

By LDAOeng|May 1st, 2017|Categories: Executive Function, Technology|Tags: Article, Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Practice-Informed, Senior (11-12)|0 Comments

An Introduction to Working Memory

What is Working Memory? Working memory refers to a brain system, or mental workspace, responsible for temporarily storing and manipulating information. It is different from short-term memory, where information is stored and recalled in the same format; for example, students can hold a set of numbers in short term memory, but in order to repeat [...]

By LDAOeng|January 27th, 2017|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Article, Evidence-Informed|0 Comments

Executive Functioning Explained: Recognizing, Understanding, Supporting

This podcast features a one-on-one interview with Dr. Marie-Josée Gendron, school and clinical psychologist, who discusses the various executive functioning skills, screening and identification considerations, and the relationship between executive functions and learning disabilities (LDs).

By LDAOeng|January 23rd, 2017|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Podcast, Senior (11-12)|0 Comments

WEBINAR RECORDING: Strengthening Executive Functioning Skills in the Classroom

Executive function is an umbrella term covering a number of management functions, including organization, self-regulation, planning, and self-monitoring. The presentation will focus on research-based instructional strategies and accommodations that contribute to the classroom success of students with executive function LDs. During the webinar, the speakers will define executive function, and identify the signs of executive functioning needs and their impact on academic and behavioural success. The presentation will also highlight the brain areas associated with executive function, the developmental progression of executive functioning, and how the environment can influence the development of the regulatory system in the brain, including how executive functioning skills are employed during times of stress.

By LDAOeng|April 21st, 2016|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Evidence-Informed, Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Primary (K-3), Senior (11-12), Webinar|0 Comments

Working Memory Difficulties: Strategies for the Classroom

The purpose of this summary is to provide educators with tools to work effectively with students who have learning disabilities (LDs) and working memory difficulties. Specifically, the summary provides: 1) an overview of the link between working memory and LDs; 2) a list of potential strategies; 3) a table summarizing how working memory difficulties may present in the classroom, with relevant interventions; and 4) a list of resources on the LD@school website, to deepen educators’ understanding of how to support students with working memory difficulties.

By LDAOeng|March 2nd, 2016|Categories: Executive Function|Tags: Article, Intermediate (7-10), Junior (4-6), Practice-Informed, Primary (K-3), Senior (11-12)|0 Comments