In the evolving landscape of education, the shift from rote memorization to project-based learning (PBL) marks a significant and needed transformation. PBL emphasizes applying knowledge to real-world situations, making learning more relevant and engaging for students. Even though PBL better prepares students for the real world, it presents unique challenges for those with executive function difficulties.
For educators, understanding and integrating PBL in ways that support all learners, especially those with executive function defects, is crucial for preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
While reading these recommendations, remember that what is best practice for all students is essential for our neurodiverse learners.
The Essence of Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is a classroom approach that encourages students to explore real-world problems and challenges. It is done by engaging in projects over an extended period and requires students to develop deep content knowledge and critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. This method is very different from traditional learning models. PBL focuses less on memorization and more on applying what has been learned in a practical context.
Executive Function Skills: The Foundation for Effective Learning
Executive function skills, encompassing planning, organization, task initiation, and time management, among others, are vital for academic and life success. These cognitive processes allow individuals to manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals.

For students engaged in PBL, strong executive function skills are the key to success. Projects require careful planning, organization of materials and ideas, initiation of tasks, and adherence to timelines—all areas where students with executive function challenges may struggle.
Fostering EF Skills Through Project-Based Learning
While PBL can be more challenging for students with executive function difficulties, it offers a unique opportunity to develop these crucial skills in a supportive and applied learning environment. Strong executive function skills are essential for success after high school, in an individual’s career, and in reaching any goal.
Educators can play a pivotal role in this process by:
- Breaking Projects into Manageable Parts: By dividing a large project into smaller, achievable goals, educators can help students with task initiation and planning. This approach reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and allows more frequent checks on progress. It also allows for accountability and quickly discovering when the student struggles with a core executive function skill (i.e., task initiation).
- Creating Visual Organizational Aids: Tools such as timelines, checklists, and graphic organizers can help students plan their projects and keep track of their progress, enhancing their organizational skills. In “The Checklist Manifesto,” Gawande highlights how checklists are used in various high-stakes professions, including medicine and law, to manage complex tasks effectively and avoid errors. A reminder that checklists are not only for individuals with executive function deficits but best practice for all.
- Modeling and Teaching EF Skills: Direct instruction in executive function skills, combined with modeling how to apply these skills in the context of a project, can provide students with the strategies they need to be successful. Predicting which of the executive function skills will need instruction before a project begins is challenging. However, it becomes clear where to support students once the project is underway. For example, if students are overwhelmed by a PowerPoint presentation, they may struggle with organizing their thoughts and research for the presentation. Helping students title each of the presentation slides teaches organization and helps them structure their thoughts. This organization will support task initiation, help maintain attention, and decrease anxiety.
- Incorporating Reflection and Self-Assessment: Encouraging students to reflect on their use of executive function skills in projects enhances metacognition (self-assessment) capabilities. This cycle of self-evaluation and adaptation promotes a deeper understanding of their learning processes and has been shown to improve executive function skills significantly.
Here are examples of questions to ask that improve self-assessment and executive function skills:
- Planning and Organization:
- How did you plan the steps of your project?
- How consistently did you follow your plan?
- What organizational strategies did you use, and how did they impact your project’s outcome?
- Task Initiation and Sustained Attention:
- Did you have a consistent location where you worked on your project?
- How would you rate your ability to maintain attention?
- Were there moments you felt distracted or off-track? What did you do to overcome these challenges?
- Flexibility:
- How did you adapt when things didn’t go as planned?
- What changes did you make to your original plan?
- Why did you make them, and what was the outcome?
- Self-monitoring:
- How often did you check your progress on your project goals?
- What did you learn about your work habits, and how might you adjust them for future projects?
- Goal Setting:
- Based on your performance in this project, what are your goals for improvement in your next project?
- How will your planning, organization, or attention approach be adjusted to meet these goals?
Conclusion
Project-based learning emphasizes the real-world application and development of 21st-century skills and offers a valuable framework for engaging students in meaningful learning. For students with executive function challenges, navigating PBL can be daunting. But with the right supports and strategies, it also presents an opportunity to develop and strengthen executive function skills.
By integrating EF skill development into their PBL curriculum, educators can help all students bridge gaps in their learning and build a foundation for future success in and out of the classroom.

As an educator, you work tirelessly to support your students’ growth and success. Thank you for all that you do. Let Untapped help your staff develop strategies to improve all students executive function skills.
For More:
New Research Makes a Powerful Case for PBL
The Key Characteristics of Project-Based Learning
Executive Function In The Classroom
A Project-Based Learning Curriculum Promotes Executive Functioning Skills in Students
A Study of the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Learning Effects