Study Skills, Executive Functioning, AND METACOGNITION

Even highly intelligent students struggle in school when they have not yet learned how to learn.  The Chernik Group offers training in the skills and strategies that create the foundation for academic mastery, independence, and success.

Study Skills
Study Skills are specific approaches to learning that are essential for academic success. Examples of study skills include:

• Skills for effective note-taking (including the Cornell System)
• Listening skills
• Methods for active reading and reading comprehension (including the SQ3R method)
• Techniques for test preparation
• Test-taking strategies
• Procedures for improving memory (retention and recall)

Executive Functioning
Executive Functioning refers to skills and processes that are essential in successfully executing tasks. They include:

• Working memory (holding information in mind)
• Planning, prioritizing, and organizing tasks
• Organizing materials
• Time management
• Task initiation (beginning tasks without procrastinating)
• Flexible thinking
• Self-monitoring
• Self-regulation (modulating emotional responses)
• Self-control (stopping non-productive actions and thoughts)

Metacognition
Metacognition refers to the practice of thinking about thinking. Metacognition allows students to use their own cognitive processes to actively regulate and improve their academic performance. Metacognition supports study skills and executive functioning and allows students to more effectively approach learning tasks, monitor comprehension, identify questions, evaluate progress, maintain motivation, and manage stress.

Metacognition is a type of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness training is an integral part of our Academic Performance Coaching program.