New Program for College Students' Executive Functioning Skills

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many schools to move instruction online, some students have struggled to regain or even learn the interpersonal and organizational skills they need to succeed in college. To rectify that, the University of Mary Washington created a new four-week program this fall to help incoming students hone their planning and social skills. Called LaunchPad, the program aims to help ease students' transition into higher education, provide them with life-management skills and connect them with peers and supportive staff."

"Data shows that current traditional-aged college students are less likely than previous cohorts of students to be prepared for postsecondary education. A 2024 report from ed-tech provider EAB found that students increasingly struggle with resiliency and conflict resolution and are less likely to be involved in campus organizations or social opportunities. Surveys show that students are interested in receiving additional support to help them get organized and learn to manage their time."

"A study from Anthology, also published in 2024, found that 40 percent of students feel overwhelmed and anxious about their academic workload, and a quarter say they lack time-management skills. Similarly, a 2023 survey by Inside Higher Ed found that one-third of respondents want help planning their schedules and managing their time, such as a through a deadline organizer. At the University of Mary Washington, "many students struggle with organization, time management and involvement, especially post-pandemic," said April Wynn, director of the first-year experience."

Many incoming college students exhibit deficits in interpersonal, organizational, and executive-functioning skills that affect readiness for postsecondary education following pandemic-era online learning. The University of Mary Washington launched a four-week LaunchPad program to teach planning, time management, scheduling, deadline tracking, use of technology, effective communication, resilience, and socialization. The program begins the first week of classes and connects students with peers and supportive staff while providing structured life-management instruction. National reports and surveys show rising struggles with resiliency, conflict resolution, overwhelm, anxiety, and time-management, and many students seek additional support to organize schedules and manage deadlines.

Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs