Executive Function for Lesson Design and Student Motivation 

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
1:00-3:00 PM (In Person)
at First Literacy
160 Boylston Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02116 (across from the Boston Common)
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
2:00-3:00 PM (via Zoom only)
(Please note: This is a two-part workshop. By registering you are committing to both sessions.)

Workshop Description:
Executive function refers to the mental processes that regulate self-directed and goal-oriented behavior. This workshop aims to provide educators with a foundational understanding of executive function and its impact on student learning. Participants will explore essential executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, time management, self-regulation, prioritization, task initiation and persistence, motivation, and mental flexibility. 

The workshop will also delve into the concept of cognitive load and how it relates to lesson design, helping educators create lessons that accommodate students' cognitive capacities. Additionally, strategies for improving student motivation will be introduced, enabling students to engage more effectively with their learning. 

By understanding executive function and recognizing the challenges faced by students with executive function deficits, educators can develop effective lesson plans, design engaging activities, and foster a motivating learning environment both in and out of the classroom. 

Workshop Learning Objectives - Participants will learn how to:

  • Gain a foundational understanding of executive functioning and how it relates to their students', and their own, EF challenges.
  • Recognize and redesign lessons and classroom activities to reduce extraneous cognitive load. SWBAT identify and incorporate proven strategies for improving student motivation.
  • Utilize collaborative coaching strategies to help students with motivation and goal-setting. 

Presenter:
Jessica Connors is an executive function coach, primarily for college students, and teaches hands-on workshops for students and educators. She has also been an adult educator with Framingham Adult ESL Plus for seven years. She earned her BA in European Studies from University of Washington in 2012, MA in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University in 2014, and Professional Certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity with a Specialization in Executive Function from Landmark College in 2022. She is passionate about helping adult learners and educators harness their strengths and learn how to improve their weaknesses by understanding the role that executive functioning plays in their personal and academic/professional lives.

This workshop is free to staff of all Massachusetts non-profit ABE and ESOL Programs.

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