Assessment Methods for Educators and School Psychologists: An Overview of Executive Function Tools
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In the ever-evolving world of education, staying informed about the latest interventions and strategies is crucial, especially when it comes to neurodivergent learners. Here's a practical guide on how to keep up with the latest research in executive functioning, a key aspect of neurodivergence.
Firstly, taking advantage of podcasts, webinars, or research summaries tailored to neurodivergence and education can be a great way to review the latest interventions during a commute or other free time. These resources provide valuable insights that can be applied to one's practice.
Regular, consistent check-ins with research resources are also essential. Staying informed and up-to-date allows professionals to have new ideas at their disposal before facing a challenge. The critical analysis of the abstract or meta description of a study is important to gauge its relatability to one's own practice.
When conducting a literature search, it's recommended to use relevant keywords and sort the results by the most recent year and number of citations. Narrowing search terms and using filter features in Google Scholar can help streamline the process. Additionally, signing up for alerts for specific keywords in Google Scholar can notify you when new articles appear.
Utilizing online search platforms like Google, Google Scholar, or Consensus is recommended for finding research. Consensus, a search platform that uses AI, makes searching through academic research easier and more seamless.
Collaboration with peers can provide diverse perspectives and insights, reducing the amount of time spent reviewing studies. Colleagues are a valuable resource for connecting about the current research in executive functioning skills, and it's recommended to reach out to them for questions or additional support.
Developing a list of search terms and phrases for specific disciplines is also helpful. For example, in a real-world case study, the specific aspect of executive functioning to explore is identified by including search terms like "neurodivergent," "autism," and "young adults" along with the main topic.
Creating a "Research Log" document or using an app like Evernote or Google Keep for storing research information is recommended. This allows professionals to easily access and refer back to the information they've gathered.
Understanding executive functioning research enables tailoring teaching methods to the unique needs of students. This understanding can help professionals be more effective with neurodivergent learners and resolve issues with their learners more quickly.
Further reading can be found on the role of research in the professional development of graduate teachers and a review of the evidence on how teacher professional development affects student achievement. The author of the article "Staying Current on Executive Functioning Research: A Practical Guide for Educators, Therapists, and Neurodivergence Professionals," published in 2021, is Lynn Meltzer.
In conclusion, staying current on research in executive functioning is essential for educators, therapists, and neurodivergence professionals. By following these tips, you can stay informed, collaborate with peers, and provide the best possible support for neurodivergent learners.
