Executive Functioning & Approaches to Learning

Building a solid foundation for our students extends beyond developing literacy and numeracy skills. We want students to be prepared for their futures, and central to this preparation is the development of Executive Functioning (EF) skills and Approaches to Learning Skills (ATL). 

The terms “Executive Functioning” and “Approaches to Learning” describe a set of cognitive skills that control and regulate certain abilities and behaviours. These are skills that students need in order to become self-regulated, intrinsically motivated learners. Research about the brain and learning has shown that EF and ATL skills are stronger predictors of future academic achievement and life success than academic achievement alone. Working in conjunction with our Learning Enrichment And Development (LEAD) professionals, LCC has designed a program to help students develop their organizational and learning skills and understand how their brains work. We introduce these skills at the start of high school, during the grade 7 orientation, and continue to focus on developing them throughout the Middle School experience. Our teachers have received specific training related to EF and ATL skills.