As I mentioned in my last blog post, memory is a key executive functioning skill. There are actually many different types of memory, but for this blog post I will be talking primarily about how a calendar can serve as a tool to support learners' working memory. Working memory is the ability to hold new information, process it, and apply it. Working memory is required in academic tasks like reading and writing, but is also necessary to manage appointments and execute multi step projects. Many students who have executive functioning weaknesses struggle with working memory. Remembering assignment directions and due dates can be a source of frustration and a barrier for many students in their academic progress. One tool that can help is learning how to use a calendar or planner effectively.
A calendar and planner can be used to record new information, process time and space, and plan long term projects out. Writing down due dates of assignments and appointments helps free up our mental space to focus on new information and provides a visual reminder so we don’t forget key dates. A calendar view can also help students see how long they have until a deadline so they can break their work into weekly chunks, and allow them to quickly see their available time. Many planning systems on the market now also provide supplemental resources like planning pages, budgeting sheets, and self reflection prompts. A favorite planner of mine, the Passion Planner, provides a detailed system for backwards planning a complex task.
Of course a planner or calendar system by itself cannot solve every student’s executive functioning challenges, and the physical tool itself is not the most important part. I work with many successful students who only use their google calendar and an electronic note app on their computer. Many students need support in using calendars consistently and correctly. A few recommendations I give to students is to:
Set a consistent time once a week (use a reminder) or once a day depending on your needs to JUST plan. During this time cross reference your deadlines, any project directions, your email, and also your personal needs to get grounded in everything you have going on. Write a (short) list of upcoming priorities & tasks for either the day or the week. Then take a break- I also specify breaking up planning vs actual academic work time.
Choose a system that works for you and commit to use it consistently for 3 months-a full semester before switching. This could be a paper planner, or google calendars, or a hybrid system.
At the beginning of the semester review your syllabi and write down all deadlines ahead of time. This seems to be more accessible for college students than high school students, but I also encourage high school students to explicitly ask about deadlines.
Separate hard deadlines and soft due dates. I personally place hard deadlines on my calendar and have a separate (and intentionally small list) of “soft” tasks- tasks that are important but don’t have a set due date.
Write it down and keep it visible to ensure you will remember to do it.
Thank you for reading and please join my newsletter for upcoming blog posts on executive functioning.
-Veronica
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