Problem-solving of online focus...

In looking at problems of practice, I thought about the number of students that I have that struggle with executive functioning (EF) skills and self-regulation. Data from both Marti et al. (2023) and Gunzenhauser and Nuckles ((2021) demonstrates that EF impacts academic performance. From shout-outs to time management and organization, students with challenges in these areas are already disadvantaged. These are the kids who were in grade 2 or 3 during COVID, an age where many EF skills are learned. Support in the classroom is helpful to refocus students and help build up those skills.

But what if you have no support for students in your classroom? What help can you provide in a classroom with many individual needs? I have found that I have many students who struggle to maintain focus when they are using their laptops, they have multiple tabs or windows open and don't seem to get as much done. I can't always be monitoring what they are working on. Reading an article on the site Engaging Minds I found a blog post by Holman (2023) that recommended apps for various EF skills. Rescue time was listed for attention and focus so I dug a little deeper. Below is what I found.

Video made by author on Explain everything edu

Both Schwartz (2014) and Tamm et al (2022) have shown in their research that building EF supports academic performance. The Focus Time feature allows blocking of sites which means students have an additional layer of support to refocus them when I can't be there. Having assistive technology that can help teachers monitor and build student agency can help teachers have more time to support students in a variety of other ways. Hopefully helping to build academic performance as well.

Anyone try this or other time monitoring software?

• What is this Rescue Time software
• Been meaning to but not there yet
• Tried a different one
• Rescue Time is awesome.

References:

Holman, J. (2023, May 23). Tech tools to support executive function. Engaging minds. https://engagingmindsonline.com/blog-posts/tech-tools-to-support-executive-function

Tamm, L., Risley, S. M., Hamik, E., Combs, A., Jones, L. B., Patronick, J., … Duncan, A. (2022). Improving academic performance through a school-based intervention targeting academic executive functions – a pilot study. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 70(3), 549–557. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2022.2095690

Schwartz, D. M. (2014). Breaking Through Barriers: Using Technology to Address Executive Function Weaknesses and Improve Student Achievement. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 3(3), 173–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622965.2013.875296

Gunzenhauser, C and Nückles, M. (2021). Training Executive Functions to Improve Academic Achievement: Tackling Avenues to Far Transfer. Frontiers in Psychology., 23 May 2021

Sec. Developmental Psychology Volume 12 - 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624008

Martí, G, Sidera, F, Morera,F.S,  Sellabona, E.S. (2023). Executive functions are important for academic achievement, but emotional intelligence too. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12907