ACHE 86th Annual Conference and Meeting - October 14-16 2024

30-Minute Presentations

Executive functioning (EF) skills are crucial for success in higher education.  Implementing EF skills in higher education can promote academic success, contribute significantly to adult students' overall well-being, and assist in their career development.  By equipping adult students with the tools they need to effectively manage their time, regulate their behavior, and navigate challenges, institutions can create a culture of care, resilience, and wellness that benefits the entire university community.  Executive functioning involves a range of skills such as attention, working memory, emotional regulation, planning, time management, self-monitoring, and goal setting (Barkley, 2012). 

When college students struggle with EF skills, they face challenges in managing their academic responsibilities, staying organized, meeting deadlines, and achieving their full potential in higher education. These students experience stress and greater distractions due to the inability to self-regulate and engage in independent, purposeful, self-serving behaviors affecting their learning (“Addressing Executive Functioning at the Secondary Level.” 2011). According to Petersen et al. (2006), college students who experience stress and anxiety can exacerbate EF difficulties, and this can affect their academic performance. 

When colleges and universities recognize the importance of EF and implement strategies to strengthen these skills, educators can support their students in improving their academic performance and developing essential skills for lifelong learning and success. 

In our proposed presentation, we will discuss and share how implementing EF skills in our curriculum and classrooms will provide a new learning experience where learning is engaging and efficient for higher education students.  We will share innovative and accessible instructional strategies that prepare students for success.