Proposal to enhance the learning eight-graders students based on executive functions' development

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on students, especially adolescents, affecting their executive functions, key cognitive skills for learning. In response, an innovation project was proposed to strengthen these skills in Chilean students aged 13-14 years in eighth grade. A self-assessment of executive functions and interviews with the head teacher were used to evaluate the implementation. The results showed progress in inhibitory control, with improvements in conflict management and handling of stressful situations, although there was a decrease in the ability to reflect before acting. Regarding planning, improvements were observed in the organization of extracurricular activities, goal setting and task prioritization. In addition, there was an increase in the ability to manage time and maintain order in lockers or backpacks. It is concluded that executive functions play a crucial role in student life by facilitating autonomy, participation, interpersonal relationships, problem solving and the learning process.