10 LESSON COURSE

LESSO 1
N
Executive
functions
Welcome to our course on Executive Function (EF) - the
cognitive skills that allow you to plan, organize, strategize, and
manage your life.
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O
 WELCOME

Do you ever find it hard to concentrate on your

homework? Or feel unsure about how to tackle a large
assignment? Perhaps you get stressed when facing major
deadlines?
You're not alone – it's completely normal! Our 10-part course offers a
suite of tools designed to transform you into a more effective and
confident learner.
Learning SESSION REVIEW

objectives TOPIC

What are executive functions?

TOPIC

In this lesson, we’re diving into executive Strengthening executive functions

functions. These are the skills that help you
learn, plan, focus, and remember. Have you ever
TOPIC
felt like you’re in complete control one minute,
like a boss, and then everything seems to fall Winning DNA: Lessons from your
apart the next? As we go through this lesson, we role models' success
want you to think about what might cause these
sudden changes
TOPIC

Study Habits Checklist

Navigating the
lesson 10
Minutes
Class
Discussion

An estimate of how long Time to pause and have a discussion

the activity may take. with the class.

Look out for these symbols

throughout the lesson and use it as
your trusty learning guide to ensure Put this Skill Stop & Reflect
that you have enough time to learn, into Practice
discuss, practice, and reflect on your
newfound knowledge.

Put your newfound knowledge into Take a moment to

practice in the real world. think things through.
 VIDEO

Click on the next item in the lesson

menu to watch a video from Audrey,
the co-founder and CEO of Curious
Cardinals
Let's start the
lesson!
 TOP TIP

Want to boost productivity and

reach your goals?
You need to understand executive
functions.
 EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
The first step is understanding the concept of executive functions.
Although definitions can vary, they generally cover key cognitive processes, like:
1 Paying attention
What It Means: Being able to focus on one thing at a time
and not get easily distracted
When It Goes Well: You’re really into your book and
hardly notice anything else around you.
When It Doesn't Go Well: During class, you keep thinking
about what you’re going to have for lunch, and you miss
what the teacher says.
2 Starting and focusing on tasks
What It Means: Setting up a game plan for what
you need to do, step by step.
When It Goes Well: Before a big project, you make a list of
what needs to be done and when you’ll do each part. And you
stick to it!
When It Doesn't Go Well: Your paper is due tomorrow, and
you haven’t even picked a topic yet.
 3 Managing emotions 4 Keeping track of what you’re doing
What It Means: Watching yourself, like a coach, to make sure
What It Means: Keeping your feelings under control, especially
you’re staying on the right track.
when things get tough.
When It Goes Well: While writing your essay, you stop now
When It Goes Well: Your friend says something mean, but you
and then to check that you're answering the question right.
reamin call and tell them how you feel.
When It Doesn't Go Well: After a small disagreement, you can't
When It Doesn't Go Well: You spend an hour on a poster, only
stop feeling angry.
to realize it wasn't what you were supposed to be working on.

What It Means: Keeping your feelings under control, especially when things get tough.

Organizing and When It Goes Well: Your friend says something that bugs you, but instead of blowing up, you calmly
5
tell them how you feel.
planning
When It Doesn't Go Well: After a small disagreement with your friend, you can't stop feeling angry and
it ruins your whole day.
 THE SECRET SAUCE
FOR SUCCESS

Think of Executive Functions (EFs) as your secret

sauce to success. They're the special blend of skills
that help you adapt, solve problems, and stay on
track.

Just like a secret sauce can take a dish from good to great, EFs
enable you to plan, prioritiz – turning your goals into
achievements.
A LIFELONG DEVELOPMENT

It's totally normal to have trouble with things like

planning, organizing, controlling impulses, and
solving problems.
We aren't born with executive function skills.
We learn and develop these skills as we grow. Everyone can
get better at them, no matter how old we are. Knowing this is
part of having
a "growth mindset" which we’ll talk more about
in a later session.
STRENGTHENING EXECUTIVE
FUNCTIONS

People can strengthen their executive functions in

lots of ways, like practicing mindfulness, staying
organized, and setting goals to work towards.

But don't stress about figuring it all out on your own. We’ll dive
deep into all the ways you can boost your executive functions
throughout this course, step by step. So, stay tuned!
Embrace & strengthen
your EFs
Think of executive functions as superpowers. What
changes do you want to see in your life with these
superpowers? Imagine how inspiring people use these
superpowers, too.
 ACTIVITY
30
Minutes

A double dose of
activities!
We've got two activities for you. First, think about the people in your life that you
look up to – ever wondered what makes them successful? Next, you'll be delving
into your study habits with a checklist. Ace those study session and get inspired all
at once!

CLICK ON THE NEXT ACTIVITY IN

THE LESSON MENU
And that wraps up
this session. Great
job!
Reflection question:
What's one change that you are
excited to see with your study or in life ？
Key
takeaways
1 Understanding EFs
Executive Functions (EFs) are cognitive processes, like
emotional regulation and problem solving.

2 Executive Functions matter

Executive Functions can significantly enhance overall well-
Let's take a look at our
being and promote independence.
key takeaways from
today.
3 Practice makes perfect
EFs aren't innate and unchangeable. They are skills that can be
honed and improved over time
 UPCOMING LESSONS

Executive Functions
The cognitive skills that allow you to manage your life.

Improving, not proving

Develop motivation and embrace a growth mindset.

Prioritizing & planning

Choose what’s most important to do first, so you use your time wisely.

Organize with purpose

Increase your productivity & success.

Procrastination & initiating

Overcome procrastination and take action towards your goals.
 UPCOMING LESSONS

Commitment & responsibility

Stay focused, committed, and accountable to achieve your objectives.

Decisions & solutions

Enhance problem-solving skills and make better decisions.

Make decisions with reason

Manage emotions, develop self-awareness, and foster emotional resilience.

Better relationships
Strengthen your connections through executive functions.

Celebrations & reflections

Acknowledge achievements, reflect on progress, and celebrate milestones.
Thank you!
SEE YOU IN THE NE
XT LESSON!