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When I look back at the strategies I leaned on in 2022, they feel out of step with what students need today. Technology, artificial intelligence, and the pace of information have reshaped how young people learn and which skills matter most.
I find it helpful to hear what other educators are focusing on, so I want to share what I am emphasizing this school year in my executive function coaching practice. These themes are shaping the way we support students in 2025.
1. Answering the question of “Why Executive Function Skills Matter
Students often ask me why they need to learn these skills if artificial intelligence can do the work for them. It is a fair question. Artificial intelligence can gather information and generate drafts, but it cannot decide what is meaningful, how to prioritize, or how to follow through on commitments. Executive function skills such as planning, prioritization, task initiation, and completion prevent students from becoming overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information around them. Without these skills, even the smartest tool cannot help a student complete meaningful work.
2. Practicing Connection and Communication
Another focus is helping students practice how to talk to teachers and professors. Approaching a teacher with confidence, shoulders back, head high, and asking clearly and kindly for what you need, is a skill that has faded. The ability to connect with others has always been important. In 2025, when so much communication happens behind a screen, face to face interactions stand out even more. Executive function coaching now includes intentional practice in building meaningful connections with the adults who guide learning.
3. Managing Information Overload
We live in a world of constant input that includes social media, video clips, notifications, and breaking news. All of this takes a toll on working memory and attention. Part of executive function coaching today is teaching students that rest is not optional. It is essential. Scheduling short breaks just like you would schedule a class or a meeting helps protect attention and prevents overtaxing the brain. Students are often surprised that building downtime into their calendars makes them more productive and more consistent.
4. Embracing the Friction of Learning
True learning requires friction. If a research paper is written entirely by artificial intelligence, the struggle is removed, and so is the opportunity to transfer skills and information into long term memory. In coaching, I emphasize that the discomfort of grappling with an assignment is not a sign of failure. It is a sign that the brain is working and growing. Friction is not the enemy. Friction is the process that creates durable learning.
5. Experimenting with Learning Modalities
The world is changing quickly, and young people need a deep understanding of how they learn best. Executive function coaching often includes experimenting with different learning modalities. Students can turn notes into short audio recordings, simple visuals, or graphic organizers. The key is not just access to tools. The key is knowing how to use the right tool at the right time to make learning stick. I encourage students to test approaches until they find strategies that fit the way their brain processes information.
6. Connecting Health and Learning
I am talking more with students about the connection between health and executive function. Sleep and movement are not extras. They are essential for the brain. When students are tired or sedentary, their ability to focus, plan, and remember information drops. Building routines that include movement and consistent sleep has become a central part of coaching and a reliable driver of better academic performance.
7. Preserving Critical Thinking and Voice
Another practice I emphasize is writing down thoughts before turning to artificial intelligence. This simple step preserves critical thinking and helps students maintain their voice. Artificial intelligence can be an incredible partner, but students need to bring their perspective first. Otherwise there is a real risk that their reasoning muscles weaken over time and their writing begins to sound generic.
8. The Power of a Walk
Finally, I continue to see the power of a walk. Whether students are stuck on an essay, battling procrastination, or managing anxiety, a brisk walk can reset the mind and improve nearly every aspect of learning. Sometimes executive function coaching is not about another productivity trick. It is about stepping outside, moving the body, and giving the brain a chance to reset.
Looking ahead
Executive function coaching in 2025 looks different than it did just a few years ago. Artificial intelligence, information overload, and shifting expectations in school and work mean that students need more than study tips. They need a strong foundation of executive function skills in order to thrive. These are the practices I am focusing on this year. I would love to hear from other educators about how your work with students is evolving and which new approaches you are testing.
Wishing everyone a great school year ahead.
If your student could benefit from personalized executive function coaching, connect with Untapped Learning today and see how we can support their growth.
