Flexible Thinking
Adapting to unexpected changes and situations is critical for success in life. The ability to adjust one's behavior and actions accordingly are correlated with strong flexible thinking skills and the ability to switch between tasks and perspectives easily. Individuals with these skills are better able to solve problems and find creative solutions. Coaching develops this skill through presenting new situations, practice in examining situations from multiple perspectives, and challenging prior assumptions by considering new ideas that may be at odds with prior experience.
Organization
Mentally and physically keeping track of tasks and materials involves developing skills, systems, and routines for management. Lack of organization can mask one’s true academic and emotional ability. Coaching strategies develop prioritization and organizational skills that can include visualization, checklist creation, planner or digital calendar use, assignment chunking into manageable segments and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
Impulse Control
Thinking before acting, resisting impulses and delaying gratification when necessary are imperative skills to success in school and life. People with strong impulse control are better able to resist distractions and focus on tasks, and make better decisions in the long term. Coaching strategies to develop impulse control include mindfulness practice, self-reflection techniques, and simulating situations to practice delaying gratification.
Task Initiation
Starting on a task can at times be difficult or unpleasant. People with strong task initiation skills are able to begin work, overcoming procrastination and the accompanying unpleasant feelings. Targeted task initiation strategies involve learning how to break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, finding personalized motivation, and learning to work with tools such as timers, music, and “if/then” goals.
Working Memory
The ability to recall key information, including multi-step directions, is a necessary skill for task completion. People with strong working memory skills are better able to process and remember information, and to follow complex instructions. Strategies to develop this skill include repetition and visualization techniques, and chunking information into smaller, more manageable parts.
Self-monitoring
Self-awareness of how one is doing and what one is thinking in the moment is also known as meta-cognition. People with strong self-monitoring skills are better able to regulate their emotions and behavior, and to adjust their approach when necessary. They are also able to monitor their comprehension when having to think critically in an academic setting. Developing this skill involves strategies such as keeping a journal, practicing mindfulness, thinking out loud, and seeking feedback from others.
Time Management
Backwards planning and behavior adjustment are requisite to meeting specific time goals. People with strong time management skills are better able to prioritize tasks, allocate time effectively, and avoid procrastination. Strategies to develop this skill include setting goals and deadlines, using a planner or digital calendar, and practicing time-blocking.
Planning and Prioritizing
Setting both short and long-term goals, and meeting them requires planning and prioritization. Strong planning and prioritizing skills help individuals identify what needs to be done, create a plan to achieve it, and stay on track toward their goals. Strategies to develop this skill include creating a to-do list, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using visualization techniques to see oneself achieving the goal.
Studying and Notetaking
Although not necessarily part of the EF wheelhouse, it is important for students with EF deficits to be explicitly taught how to study and take notes. Effective studying and note-taking skills helps students to better understand and retain information, and to prepare for assignments and exams. Strategies to develop this skill include active reading, summarizing information, and creating visual aids to help remember key concepts.