Executive function refers to mental processes and cognitive abilities that control the skills required for goal-directed behaviour. The skills and topics covered in this domain help students organize their thoughts, set specific goals, and plan their time and effort to achieve those goals. Executive function skills also include the ability to actively think about and choose the most suitable actions required to achieve goals both in an individual and a team setting.

 

What you’ll find on each skill page:

  • Overview and description
  • Importance and relevance to students’ academic lives
  • Strategies, Tips, and Activities for educators to embed in the curriculum

Evidence-based study skills

Evidence-based study skills are practices informed by a scientific understanding of how learning works.

Goal setting

Goal setting is the process of identifying what an individual aims to accomplish to direct their action.

Identifying misinformation

Identifying misinformation involves determining incorrect or misleading information that is framed and presented as fact.

Note-taking

Note-taking is the concise recording of relevant information.

Overcoming overwhelm

Overcoming overwhelm is successfully navigating situations where the demands placed on an individual exceed their usual abilities to cope.

Perfection paralysis

Perfection paralysis is the inability to meet deadlines or complete tasks due to fear of failing, and the inability to move forward after a failure or setback.

Prioritization

Prioritization is a process of organizing information or tasks and making evaluations about the order in which they will be addressed.

Project and team charters

Project and team charters are agreed-upon documents that serve as an organized format for all parties to mutually understand roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Project management

Project management involves planning and managing a project to ensure the goals and deliverables are met.

Time management

Time management is the ability to use one’s time effectively and productively.