As you are dropping your student off to college, you may be worrying if they will “make it.”. The shift to a more independent learning environment can be hard for any student, but especially those with executive function challenges.
Executive function coaches offer invaluable support to college students, helping them navigate the unique challenges of a new environment, schedule, and set of demands. Here are 5 ways executive function coaches help build confidence for both students and parents.
1. Identifying the Differences between College and High School:
College presents a distinct set of challenges compared to high school. The increased academic rigor, greater personal responsibility, and self-directed learning can come as a surprise for new students. Executive function coaches ask the right questions to ensure students are aware of these differences and guide them to develop effective strategies that work for their health, personal success and academic success in their new environment.
2. Building Self-Awareness:
Students need to build awareness (and habits!) around their preferred study times, class times, study techniques, and personal choices.
Executive function coaches work closely with students to help them understand the tradeoffs that need to be made. By fostering self-awareness, coaches assist students in recognizing their personal challenges and tailoring their approaches to studying, time management, and organization accordingly.
3. Enhancing Executive Function Skills:
Executive function skills encompass a range of cognitive processes, including planning, organizing, time management, task initiation, and goal setting. Many students struggle with these skills during their first years in college.
Coaches provide individualized support, tailoring strategies to the strengths and needs of the student. They assist in creating effective schedules breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, and developing strategies to prioritize and stay focused.
4. Developing Effective Study Skills:
Executive function coaches help students discover and implement study techniques that work best for them. These may include active reading strategies, note-taking methods, memory techniques, and effective test preparation strategies.
Coaches also teach students how to leverage campus resources, such as libraries, tutoring centers, and study groups, to enhance their learning experience
5. Serving as an Accountability Partner:
Accountability is a key component of achieving academic goals. Executive function coaches act as trusted accountability partners for college students. They provide ongoing support, helping students set realistic objectives, establish action plans, and monitor progress.
By maintaining regular check-ins, coaches hold students accountable for their commitments and provide valuable feedback, fostering a sense of responsibility and motivation.
Bottom Line: EF Coaches Reduce Risk of Getting Off Track
The transition from high school to college can be a challenging period for students, but executive function coaches act as partners to help them overcome difficulties and succeed academically. By focusing on building self-awareness, enhancing executive function and study skills, and serving as accountability partners, coaches empower students to navigate the unique demands of college life.
For more information on Executive Function Coaching for College Students, please email us.