The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast: Embodying Executive Functions
Darius Namdaran and Dr Erica Warren
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Welcome to the personal brain trainer podcast. I’m Dr. Erica Warren and I’m Darius Namdaran and we are your hosts. Join us on an adventure to translate the scientific jargon and brain research into simple metaphors and stories for everyday life. We explore executive function and learning strategies that help turbocharge the mind. Come learn how to steer around invisible barriers so that you can achieve your goals. This podcast is ideal for parents, educators, and learners of all ages.
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5 days ago
#41 Exploring Visual, Auditory, Tactile and Kinesthetic Ways of Processing
In this episode of The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, Erica and Darius guide us through the dynamic world of visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic processing. As we navigate our everyday lives, our brains, and executive functions decode the world around us via multiple sensory channels. Dive in as we unpack each processing type, providing a comprehensive understanding of how we interpret visual stimuli, sounds, tactile experiences, and movement. This episode will also provide valuable strategies to accommodate and enhance these unique learning pathways, promoting more effective, inclusive, and immersive learning experiences. Whether you're a visualizer or a kinesthetic learner, there's something for everyone in this sensory symphony. Get ready to embark on a journey of cognitive exploration and self-improvement.
Links:
- A Workshop on Multisensory Teaching: Accommodating Each Learner's Best Ways of Processing: https://tinyurl.com/yuedmr64
- Eclectic Learning Approach and Student Processing Inventory: https://tinyurl.com/yntf4k8h
- Metacognition: https://tinyurl.com/4dbtc8cw
- Working Memory: https://tinyurl.com/working-memory
- Multisensory Multiplication: https://tinyurl.com/bdc8btfv
- BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
- Learning Specialist Courses:https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
- Executive Functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
- Dyslexia at Work: www.dyslexiawork.com
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May 19, 2023
#40: Memory Strategies Improve Executive Functioning
In this episode, Darius and Erica dive into the interplay between memory and executive functioning. Learn about internal and external memory techniques as well as specific strategies that can be used to enhance memory. This episode offers a multitude of insights, whether you're a student eager to boost academic performance or a lifelong learner striving to optimize cognitive abilities.
Links:
- Executive functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Memory Strategies: https://tinyurl.com/4nmatd9v
- Working Memory Screener: https://tinyurl.com/2tvuzet4
- Working Memory Exercises: https://tinyurl.com/jyr68xfy
- Multisensory Multiplication: https://tinyurl.com/bdc8btfv
- Scattergories Game: https://amzn.to/3xHseG2
- Hey, What’s the Big Idea Game: https://tinyurl.com/mwbeavc3
- The Main I-deer Game: https://tinyurl.com/mv49vv9j
- Course that teaches memory strategies: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Method of Loci: https://tinyurl.com/2eh4r8vm
- Executive Functioning Library: https://tinyurl.com/yeytwn7v
- BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
- Learning Specialist Courses: https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
- Executive functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
- Dyslexia at Work: www.dyslexiawork.com
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May 5, 2023
#39: Exploring Metacognition and Executive Functioning
Welcome to The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast! In this warm and engaging episode, Erica and Darius explore the intriguing world of metacognition and executive functioning (EF). Discover how these interconnected cognitive processes shape the way we think, learn, and problem-solve. Perfect for students, teachers, or anyone with a curiosity about the human mind, this episode offers research-backed insights and practical strategies for developing metacognition and enhancing executive functioning. Join us as we dive into self-reflection, active learning, and goal-setting techniques designed to unlock your full potential in both daily life and academic pursuits.
Links
- What Influences Learning? A Content Analysis of Review Literature: https://tinyurl.com/46p5s7x5
- Jordan Peterson: Selective consciousness: https://tinyurl.com/3m5dbwh5
- Christopher Alexander- Morphogenic Design: https://tinyurl.com/3kmkrr86
- Mnemonics: https://tinyurl.com/ys8ysjjd
- Metacognition: https://tinyurl.com/4dbtc8cw
- Working Memory: https://tinyurl.com/working-memory
- Inhibitory Control: https://tinyurl.com/inhibitory-control
- Visualization: https://tinyurl.com/use-visualization
- Inner Voice: https://tinyurl.com/inner-voices
- Cognitive Flexibility: https://tinyurl.com/cognitive-flexibility
- BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
- Learning Specialist Courses:https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
- Executive Functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
- Dyslexia at Work:: www.dyslexiawork.com
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Apr 26, 2023
#38: Neurodiversity and Executive Functioning
In this episode, Erica and Darius explore the impact of neurodiversity on executive functions, discuss the importance of accommodating diverse ways of processing, and promote inclusive environments. They share valuable strategies to break down complex tasks, encourage self-reflection, and leverage technology to support individuals with unique learning needs. Tune in to learn how to empower neurodiverse individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Links and Resources
- What is Neurodiversity? https://tinyurl.com/2p8hbcvh
- Valuing differences: Neurodiversity in the classroom: https://tinyurl.com/yckhn4mx
- Eclectic Teaching Approach Embracing Neurodiversity and SPI Inventory: https://tinyurl.com/yeykpz73
- Multiple intelligences: https://tinyurl.com/2dwhw594
- 12 ways of learning: https://tinyurl.com/yc8be9rp
- BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
- Learning Specialist Courses:https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
- Executive Functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
- Dyslexia at Work: www.dyslexiawork.com
- Dyslexia Productivity Coaching: http://dyslexiaproductivitycoaching.com/
- Dyslexia explored podcast Dr. Fernette Eide https://tinyurl.com/yc59k4ca
- Dyslexia explored podcast Moira Thomson, MBE https://tinyurl.com/2hz32npw
- Dyslexic advantage: https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/
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Apr 14, 2023
#37 Organization and Executive Functioning
Discover the link between organization and executive functioning in this episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast. We delve into how being organized can boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Learn about the key components of executive functioning and how they contribute to maintaining an orderly and efficient life. Tune in to unlock the secrets of effective organization for a better, more balanced life.
Boat Analogy
- Captain: Executive Function/combination of the three
- Look out: Working Memory
- Map: cognitive flexibility
- Helm/Tiller: Inhibitory control
- Boat: Systems to Automate or Brain
Common struggles people have with organization and executive functioning
- Procrastination
- Disorganization
- Prioritizing tasks
Practical tips and strategies for improving organization and executive functioning.
- Decluttering
- Developing a routine
- Setting goals
- Time blocking
- Simplification
- Timelining
- Using tools and apps to help with organization
Links and Resources:
- Planning, Time Management and Organization for Success: https://tinyurl.com/3jzvf7nf
- Dan Sullivan: https://tinyurl.com/yjn27xkx
- Stephen Covey: https://tinyurl.com/y738n24p
- Eisenhower Matrix: https://jamesclear.com/eisenhower-matrix
- Pomodoro Technique: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique
- Kanban Method: https://kanbanize.com/
- Time Management apps: https://todoist.com/, https://www.rememberthemilk.com/
- Productivity apps: https://trello.com/, https://www.asana.com/
- Marie Kondo: https://konmari.com/
- Jordan Peterson: https://tinyurl.com/msubc8ak
- Flow Time Technique: https://timelyapp.com/blog/flowtime-technique-pomodoro-alternative
- The Tunnel Technique by Andrew Huberman: https://youtu.be/Ze2pc6NwsHQ
- BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
- Learning Specialist Courses: https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
- Executive Functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
- Dyslexia Productivity Coaching: http://dyslexiaproductivitycoaching.com/
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Apr 1, 2023
#36: Time Management and Executive Functioning
In this episode, Erica and Darius discuss the importance of time management and ways to evaluate and improve this skill. They share practical techniques like creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, time blocking, delegating tasks, and managing distractions. They also recommend a variety of apps for tracking time and improving productivity. Tune in to learn how to manage your time more effectively and efficiently.
Links:
-The Checklist Manifesto - https://tinyurl.com/3p6bzxvd
-Tony Buzan - https://tonybuzan.com/
-Dan Sullivan - Strategic coach: www.StrategicCoach.com
-Kanban Method: https://kanbanize.com/
-Google Keep: https://keep.google.com/
-Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/
-The Right Brain Time Manager: https://tinyurl.com/3cj9mbec
-Planning, Time Management and Organization for Success: https://tinyurl.com/ydx7vazp
-EF activities: https://tinyurl.com/yeytwn7v
-EF and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/3brpf52j
-Executive Functioning Assessment: https://tinyurl.com/48ywprbx
-Time Management Assessment: https://tinyurl.com/5yvtzdyf
- Forest, Rize, Serene, Habitica, Toggl Track, HourStack, Timely, TrackingTime, RescueTime
- BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
- Learning Specialist Courses:https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
- Executive functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
- Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
- Dyslexia at Work: www.dyslexiawork.com
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Mar 14, 2023
#35: Artificial Intelligence and Executive Functioning
In this episode, we explore the ways in which AI software, specifically ChatGPT, is having a great impact on education, the workplace, and our everyday lives. We delve into the specific ways in which ChatGPT is able to assist individuals with executive function issues, such as providing reminders and prompts, assisting with decision-making, and helping to manage time and tasks. We also discuss how AI is being used to support individuals with other learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and ADHD.
We also look toward the future and explore how AI technology is likely to evolve in the coming years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and cognitive function, and the potential for technology to support those with learning difficulties.
Links
-ChatGPT- _https://chat.openai.com/chat_
-Dall-E- _https://openai.com/product/dall-e-2_
-Jasper AI- _https://tinyurl.com/jasperaitrial_
-Synthesia- _https://tinyurl.com/synthesiavideoai_
-Tome- _https://tomi.ai/_
-Do not Pay- _https://donotpay.com/_
-Grammarly- _https://app.grammarly.com/_
-WordTune- _https://www.wordtune.com/_
-Revery- _https://www.revery.ai/_
-BulletMap Academy: _https://bulletmapacademy.com/_
-Learning Specialist Courses:_https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/_
-Executive functions and Study Skills Course: _https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx_
-Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/_
-Dyslexia at Work: _www.dyslexiawork.com_
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Feb 28, 2023
#34: Executive Functioning and Google Apps
Erica and Darius discuss ways to use Google apps to support executive functioning. The many benefits of Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Keep are reviewed. They also provide some tips on how to maximize the experience and touch on some other Google tools.
1. Google Drive: file storage and synchronization service developed by Google
- Shares files and folders with other users (view, download, and collaborate)
- Accesses files from any device such as smartphones, tablets or personal computers
- Allows storing images, videos, recordings, stories, designs, drawings and many more
- Is compatible with various devices
- Searches files quickly
- Opens up to 30 types of files
- Offers optical character recognition (allows you to extract and search text from images or pdfs)
- Organizes visually through folders and emojis
2. Google Docs
- Allows you to access your documents from anywhere
- Enables real-time collaboration
- Tracks document changes automatically and reverts to any previous versions
- Saves automatically
- Allows offline work
- Presents a powerful editing tool
- Allows voice typing instead of writing
- Tracks changes and the people that make them
- Offers security: only people with access can see it
- Presents extensions
-Bibcitation - Bibliography and Citation Generator
-OneLook Thesaurus
-Scrible - Research writing tool
- Offers special characters
- Presents styles/headings
- Presents accessibility tools
-Screen Reader
-Screen Magnifier
3. Google Keep
- Creates notes or lists with checkboxes
- Allows you to cross off things that are done and archive old work
- Assigns color backgrounds
- Organizes your notes as lists, images, and recordings
- Pins important items to the top and easily rearranges or nests tasks
- Presents content in a sequence or simultaneously (sticky notes)
- Adds labels - like folders this can organize content under headings
- Offers a search bar to find a word in your notes
- Converts a note into a full Google Docs document
- Allows you to open Google Keep while in Docs and drag content into text
- Allows, photos, images, and doodles
- Records voice memos from mobile device
- Transcribes text from your photos and voice memos, making it easier to look up your files
- Allows one to share and collaborate
- Sets reminders by time or location
Links:
Getting things done book: https://tinyurl.com/y4ubcprv
Scrible: https://www.scrible.com/writing-tools/
Bibcitation: https://www.bibcitation.com/
OneLook Thesaurus: https://tinyurl.com/2p8y96tt
BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
Learning Specialist Courses:https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
Executive functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
Dyslexia at Work: www.dyslexiawork.com
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Feb 10, 2023
# 33: Executive Functioning and Apple Apps
Darius shares the recent iOS upgrades that make Apple apps the most convenient productivity tools that can support your executive functioning. Come listen to the discussion.
Three things most people need to do in their lives
- Take notes
- Use to-do lists
- Show up to meetings
Discussion topics:
- How to use your phone to remember everything important
- Assistive technology: Apple’s new update offers enhanced productivity tools
- The development of executive functioning across the lifespan
- Establishing new neural pathways keeps the brain young
- How to enhance working memory
- Speech to text now does punctuation automatically
- Eisenhower Matrix: categorization of information
- Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
- PARA
- Proactive project
- Areas of responsibility
- Resources
- Archive
- Stephen Covey
iOS 16’s Three apple apps:
1) Notes
- Taking notes at the speed of thought
- Moving notes to the bottom of screen
- Focusing on what’s important
- Saving with 3 word description
- Organising information according to how useful it is
- Timelining: “All” folder with the latest modified order
2. Reminders
- Prioritizing important and urgent
3. Calendar
- Prioritizing important and urgent
Links:
Eisenhower Matrix: https://tinyurl.com/339fdsvf
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte: https://tinyurl.com/bdf5xz3s
Stephen Covey: https://tinyurl.com/4wk43b4u
BulletMap Academy: https://bulletmapacademy.com/
Learning Specialist Courses: https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
Executive Functions and Study Skills Course: https://tinyurl.com/n86mf2bx
Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
Dyslexia at Work: www.dyslexiawork.com
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Feb 1, 2023
#32: COVID and Executive Functioning
This episode explores the impact COVID can have on Executive functions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continued long term physical and cognitive symptoms may impact as many as 1 in 5 adult survivors of the illness.
Study 1: The Lancet reported on a study: “Cognitive deficits in people that have recovered from covid-19”
Cognitive problems have been reported:
-Attention
-Memory, the ability to learn, store, retain, and later retrieve information.
-Executive function skills such as planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks.
Study 2: Journal of Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health: “Cognitive function following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population-representative Canadian sample”
-Young and middle-aged adults who had COVID reported lingering symptoms of executive dysfunction based on self-reported and task-related indicators of cognitive function.
-moderate or higher COVID-19 symptom severity are associated with significant symptoms of cognitive dysfunction
Study 3: Nature Medicine: “Long Term Neurologic Outcomes for COVID -19”
-Neurological conditions occurred in 7% more people with COVID-19 compared with those who had not been infected with the virus.
People who had COVID-19 were:
-43% more likely to develop mental health disorders
-35% more likely to experience mild to severe headaches
-30% more likely to have eye problems such as blurred vision, dryness and retinal inflammation
-22% more likely to develop hearing abnormalities such as tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
-vaccines slightly reduce — by about 20% — the risk of long-term brain problems.
Effect on Executive functions
Trouble with memory – Working Memory
Constantly distracted - Inhibitory Control
Rigid thinking - Cognitive Flexibility
Study 4: Study: “Assessment of Cognitive Function in Patients After COVID-19 Infection” This study looked at predominant hospitalized patients and found a relatively high frequency of cognitive impairment several months after patients contracted COVID-19 in the areas of
-executive functioning
-processing speed
-category fluency
-memory encoding
-recall
Study 5: At Harvard: “Rapid vigilance and episodic memory decrements in COVID-19 survivors”
Study revealed some long-term positive outcomes for those that experienced EF problems.
-Recovery in memory within six months
-Improvement in attention within nine months
-Suggesting that some cognitive impairments with COVID, even if widespread, are potentially reversible.
Links:
-Cognitive function following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population-representative Canadian sample _https://tinyurl.com/2p8av6wr_
-Assessment of Cognitive Function in Patients After COVID-19 Infection _https://tinyurl.com/nf56m34v_
-Rapid vigilance and episodic memory decrements in COVID-19 survivors _https://tinyurl.com/6r29ndya_
-COVID-19 infections increase risk of long-term brain problems _https://tinyurl.com/y2ersef3_
-The Lancet reported “Cognitive deficits in people that have recovered from covid-19” _https://tinyurl.com/6tbmj8tk_
- Learning Specialist Courses:_https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/_
- Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/_
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Jan 13, 2023
#31: Goal setting and Executive Functioning
In this episode, Darius and Erica discuss the relationship between goals to executive functioning and how to make and execute them.
We all know the importance of setting goals, but it would be intriguing and meaningful to see how our EF skills can help us or hinder us in making or achieving goals.
Working Memory
How can working memory affect goal setting?
- Darius’ little notes every morning on his goals for reminders
- ‘50 first dates’ movie about having amnesia.
About remembering everything that’s important
- Identify
- Clarify
- Remember
Conscious decision to remind yourself
- visual blinkers
- verbal blinkers
How to make a goal
- Breaking goals into micro or mini goals
- Manage little chunks
- Not get used to adrenaline boost of the last minute (like an addiction)
- The drama triangle
- Writing goals in the past tense
- Vision boards
- Making goal visual/spatial
- Feel what it feels like to achieve your goals
- Creat…
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Dec 22, 2022
#30: Creating a Daily Practice to Aid Executive Functioning
Darius and Erica discuss how creating a mindful daily practice can rewire subconscious patterns that aren't serving us.
What is the subconscious? The subconscious is part of your mind that notices and remembers information when you are not actively trying to do so and influences your behavior even though you do not realize it. Sub-conscious - below thought or awareness (automatic pilot)
Taking control of the subconscious - decide what is subconscious. Plant new seeds in our subconscious. Reticular activating system - metacognition. Consciously programming our subconscious,
Topics covered:
Erica shares her simple morning routine:
- Go outside, morning light - Huberman “forward ambulation”
- Drinking Water with Himalayan salt
- Finding a “golden nugget” with Mark Nepo - The Book of Awakening
- Doing a dance workout
Some strategies discussed:
- NFC tags
- Habitica
- Rudolf Steiner school routine: 12 practices of Rudolf Steiner school routine
- Beanie babies for ta…
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Dec 12, 2022
#29: Executive Functioning Offers Tools to Access Your Best Self
In this episode, Erica and Darius discuss how executive functioning training can provide the tools for us to drop into our best selves.
What is the best self?
- Proud of who you are and your accomplishments.
- Sense of inner peace
- Able to walk through life with a sense of intention and grace.
Becoming your best self involves
- taking care of oneself and optimizing all areas of your life
- regulating emotions
- embracing growth
- limiting distractions
- embracing intentions and goals
Tools of Working Memory:
1. Inner voice:
- Negative to positive
- Anxious to calm
- Critical to kind
2. Visualization:
- Focus attention
- Manifest what we want by consciously programming the reticular activating system. (sleep-wake cycles, cardiovascular control, pain modulation, consciousness, and habituation)
Tools of Inhibitory Control:
1. Develop attentional or focusing skills
- Maintain external order (organization)
- Maintain internal order
2. Blocking distractions
3. Emotio…
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Nov 21, 2022
#28: Expedition Planning: Lessons in Executive Functioning
In this episode, Darius and Erica reflect upon the executive functioning lessons from Darius’ dingy sailing expedition from Ireland to Scotland. They use the metaphor of sailing a dingy to understand executive functioning skills and talk about key concepts.
Topics covered:
- Domino decisions - finding those small things that can lead to disaster
- Mini goals
- Study strategies
- Managing emotions
- Self-sabotaging expectations
- Goal setting
- Emotional regulation
- Managing hurdles
- Fulfilling dreams
- Teamwork and leadership
- Proper planning
- Draw out your fears
- Draw out your plan
Links:
- Expedition videos 1: _https://youtu.be/WxNDAdiOUIg_
- Expedition videos 2: _https://youtu.be/xhGQUQf2qmE_
- Expedition videos 3 _https://youtu.be/69wmYWw5J3M_
- Canva: _https://www.canva.com/_
- Huberman Podcast - Visualizing and Achieving Goals: _https://hubermanlab.com/dr-emily-balcetis-tools-for-setting-and-achieving-goals/_
- Learning Specialist Courses:_https://www.…
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Nov 3, 2022
#27: Executive Functions at Work
In this episode, Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren discuss how one’s executive function difficulties can affect an individual in the workplace. If who think differently, or experience symptoms of dyslexia or ADHD, this episode offers many tips and tricks. The discussion centers around how to “show up, prepare, contribute, and collaborate."
How to Show Up
- Invest in a calendar that works for you
- Avoid double booking
- Dodge missing appointments
- Reply to emails and texts
Recommended Tips:
- Use Google Calendar
- Use Amazon Echo or other devices
- Implement double or triple reminders
- Attend workplace strategy coaching
- Pursue training in time management and estimation.
How to Prepare
- Avoid “winging it”
- Implement note-taking strategies
- Voice notes
- Handwritten
- Text
- Mindmapping
- Outlines
Recommended Tips:
- Use of techs like iPads and phone
- Implement optical character recognition
- Pursue training
- Use mind-mapping techniques
- Ma…
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Oct 14, 2022
#26: Parental Support When Kids have EF Problems
In this episode, Darius and Erica discuss the importance of parental support for children with executive functioning problems.
General executive functioning support:
- Set an example
- Be structured and organized
- Plan for events
- Be on time
- Think aloud
- Share your own strategies
- Help your kids define and use their own strategies
- Find an executive functioning coach
How to help with working memory
- Teach memory strategies
- Teach your kids how to use their inner voice
- Do activities that strengthen visualization skills
- Make connections to what they know
- Whiteboard - lists
- Photographs
- Scaffolding - Letting them do more and more
How to help with inhibitory control
- Think aloud and share your own metacognitive approach
- Share how you regulate your own emotions
- Turning it into a game - what do you see? - What do you hear?
- Model how to pay attention
How to help with cognitive flexibility
- Show acceptance of differences
- Demonstrate shifti…
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Sep 30, 2022
#25: Our Personal EF Hacks: Cognitive Flexibility
In this episode, Darius and Erica share some personal life hacks, tools, and technology for managing cognitive flexibility.
How cognitive flexibility works
- Managing different rules for different situations
- Realizing diverse perspectives
- Shifting from one task to another
Personal executive function hacks
- Find joy and excitement in new learning experiences
- Be compassionate, accepting, and positive
- Seek a diverse group of friends
- Try new approaches
- Seek solutions and a growth mindset
- Manage the amygdala - unexpected emotional reactions
- Network and have conversations with other professionals - ask questions - consider other viewpoints
- Books and audiobooks - expand our outlook - The New Earth by Eckart Tolle
- Journaling - writing - drawing
- Find your gurus. Going outside of yourself
- Have experiences that nurture flexibility - sailing - outward bounds - golf
- Step into the moment - work with reality
Manage the amygdala
- Going outside first thing…
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Sep 16, 2022
#24 Zoom and Executive Function
In this episode, Darius and Erica share thoughts on the online, video-communications tool, Zoom. The discussion focuses on how Zoom can be used to support and assist our executive functioning.
Discussion:
- Visual features: background blurring, visual composition, gallery vs individual view
- Auditory features: sound quality, headphone
- Tools: annotations, breakouts, whiteboard, screen share, remote control, recording, chat
Links:
- Zoom: _https://zoom.us/_
- BulletMap Academy: _https://bulletmapacademy.com/_
- Learning Specialist Courses:_https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/_
- Executive functions and Study Skills Course: _https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/courses/teaching-EF-and-study-strategies_
- Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/_
- “Teaching Walk Thrus” by Oliver Caviglioli and Tom Sherrington
- Working Memory: _https://tinyurl.com/mr4axkbk_
- Dyslexia at Work: _www.dyslexiawork.com_
- Freeform:_https://tinyurl.com/59w6rty6…
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Sep 2, 2022
#23: Our Personal EF Hacks: Inhibitory Control
In this episode, Darius and Erica share some personal life hacks, tools, and technology to develop inhibitory control skills.
- how inhibitory control works
- personal executive function hacks
- Time blocking
- Calendars
- Reminders
- Managing your environment - physical - visual - desk position
- Lighting
- Clothing - uniform - shoes - glasses
- Sound quality
- Creating a focused routine
Technology
- Split screens
- Thesaurus
- TickTick
- Asana
- Google Calendar
- Google Keep
- FM Systems
- Airpods and headphones (noise cancelling)
- Zoom
Links
- Eisenhower’s Urgent/Important Principle: _https://tinyurl.com/yc5r2hs6_
- Google Keep: _https://keep.google.com/_
- Google Calendar: _https://calendar.google.com/_
- Asana: _https://app.asana.com/_
- Zoom: _https://zoom.us/_
- MindMapping - BulletMap Academy: _https://bulletmapacademy.com/_
- Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/_
- Access to Work Advice: Contact Darius @ _www.dyslexiawork.com…
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Aug 19, 2022
#22: Our Personal EF Hacks: Working Memory
In this episode, Darius and Erica share some personal life hacks, tools and technology to maximize your working memory.
- Darius and Ericas’ personal executive function hacks
- What is working memory?
- Visualization, visual-spatial, and inner voice - using the tools of working memory
- Working memory and memory strategies
- Technology tools and techniques
Understanding the Foundation
- Visualization
- Inner Voice
Tools and Techniques
- Split screen
- Whiteboard
- Underlining keywords
- Repeating questions
- Memory strategies
- Brainstorming with bullet points
- Drawing
- Color coding
- Lists
Technology
- Ipad
- Voice to text
- Slack/Asana/Trello/Otter
Links
- Working Memory by Alan Baddeley: _https://tinyurl.com/3w8dyd3s_
- “Episodic Buffer” - _https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/episodic-buffer_
- Richard Branson: _https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson-blog_
- Memory strategy podcasts reference: _https://tinyurl.com/mw3sx…
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Aug 8, 2022
#21: Do I have ADHD and does it Impact Executive Functions?
In this episode, Erica and Darius discuss the symptoms of ADHD from both the UK and US perspective. They also discuss how this relates to executive functioning and other diagnoses such as dyslexia. Finally, they address how to acquire a diagnosis, as well as some solutions to ADHD.
Here is a combined symptoms list as defined by the United Kingdom NHS and the United States DSM5 criteria.
Symptoms of Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
- Short attention span
- Difficulty sustaining attention or staying on task
- Easily distracted (including unrelated thoughts)
- Makes careless mistakes/lacks attention to detail
- Fails to follow through on tasks and instructions
- Forgetful in daily activities
- Avoids/dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Difficulty listening to and carrying out instructions.Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Problems organizing tasks and managing time
- Loses things necessary for tasks/activities
Hyperactiv…
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Aug 4, 2022
#20 What is Auditory Processing?
Auditory processing is a cognitive skill that allows us to interpret and find meaning from sounds in our environment. In other words, it is how we make sense of what we hear.
In this podcast, we will review ten types of auditory processing and will discuss the importance of each skill for early literacy and learning at large.
What does this have to do with executive functioning? If we are not properly interpreting and making sense of the sounds in our environment we are not able to provide our executive functions with the needed information.
- Auditory discrimination: the ability to distinguish between sounds that are similar but are distinct.
- Auditory closure: the ability to understand words when some sounds or phonemes are missing.
- Auditory figure-ground: the ability to focus on specific sounds in noisy environments.
- Auditory synthesis: the ability to pull together sounds into a meaningful whole.
- Auditory memory: the ability to recall information that is presented or…
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Jul 4, 2022
#19 The Impact of Vision on Learning
Last week (Episode 18) we talked about a number of cognitive areas that work in tandem with visual processing. In this episode, we discuss vision problems and their impact on learning.
Vision Problems: Importance of vision screening (must rule out before testing)
Symptoms
- Frequent headaches or eyestrain
- Blurring of vision (near or far)
- Avoidance of close work or visually demanding tasks
- Poor judgment of depth
- Turning the head left right up or down
- Cover or close one eye, or favour the vision in one eye
- Double vision
- Difficulty following a moving target
- Dizziness or motion sickness
- Difficulty changing focus from distance to near and back again
- Poor hand-eye coordination
Academic Performance Problems
- Poor reading comprehension
- Loss of place, repetition, and/or omission of words while reading - Poor reading comprehension
- Eye fatigue when reading
- Words jump around when reading
- Difficulty copying from one place to another
- Difficulty conc…
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Jun 17, 2022
#18: Related Areas to Visual Processing
Last week (Episode 17) we talked about visual processing. In this episode, we discuss a number of cognitive areas that work in tandem with visual processing. Additionally, we discuss a variety of resources that can be used to enhance these cognitive skills. Related Areas that Work with Visual Processing
1. Visual Processing Speed: processing visual information at a certain pace or speed.
2. Visual-Motor Integration (fine motor dexterity): translating visual perception into a motor response. The ability to make fine and accurate motor responses such as tying one's shoe or one's handwriting skills.
3. Visual Attention: Maintain focus on visual information.
4. Visual Scanning or Tracking: Tracking is the ability to move one's eyes smoothly across the page and from one line of text to another.
a. Problems can arise such as eye fatigue, word omissions, reversals, losing one's place while reading, and most importantly these difficulties can negatively impact reading comprehension.…
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Jun 10, 2022
#17: What is Visual Processing?
Visual processing is a cognitive skill that allows us to interpret and find meaning from visual images. In other words, it is how we make sense of what we see.
Visual processing is vital because it plays a key role in learning visual information from our environment. It is a fundamental skill for reading, math, and spelling.
Visual processing involves a number of cognitive processing skills:
- Visual Discrimination - the ability to tell the difference between images that are similar but not the same.
- Visual Directionality - the ability to discriminate between left and right and objects or images that are facing left or right.
- Visual Memory - the ability to remember what one has seen.
- Visual Sequencing - the ability to remember the order of a series of visual stimuli.
- Visual Closure - the ability to understand images when some parts of the image are missing.
- Visual Reasoning - the ability to analyze visual information and find meaning.
- Visual Synthesis - the ability to asse…
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May 30, 2022
#16: Executive Function and Memory
In this episode, we explore the connection between working memory and long-term memory. Darius shares his experience in dyslexia and executive functioning master class with Dr Neil Mackay and others. We discuss the application of memory strategies, effortful mental transformation, and active processing to improve learning.
We covered the following topics:
- Dyslexia Friendly Approach
- Alan Baddeley’s Model of Working Memory
- Relation of language to your thinking
- Effortful mental transformation
- Retrieving information vs. receiving Information
- Memory strategies implementation
- The importance of modeling
- Thinking out loud
Links:
- Dyslexia Friendly Classroom: _https://bit.ly/3OqKHxA_
- Alan Baddeley’s Model of Working Memory: _https://bit.ly/3xFRAW3_
- Dr Neil Mackay: _https://queenstreetmedical.com.au/doctors/dr-neil-mackay/_
- Multisensory Multiplication: _https://bit.ly/3KY3iz9_
- Positive Dyslexia UK: _https://www.positivedyslexia.co.uk/_
- Executive Fun…
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May 13, 2022
#15: Learned Helplessness
In this episode, we discuss learned helplessness and its impact on learning. We also address strategies that can help students move through learned helplessness and embrace learning.
- Learned helplessness happens when people or animals become conditioned to believe that a bad situation is unchangeable or inescapable.
- Learned helplessness occurs when an individual continuously faces a negative, uncontrollable situation and stops trying to change their circumstances, even when they have the ability to do so.
We covered the following topics:
- What is learned helplessness
- Seligman's Theory and Depression
- Faking It - A Look into the Mind of a Creative Learner:
- The power of the word “yet”
- Technology dependency
- How we should choose our words
- Recognizing effort
- Having Brain Breaks
Links
- Bounce By Matthew Syed: _https://amzn.to/3nZDrNP_
- Mindful BrainBreaks: _https://bit.ly/3BnrcA8_
- Learned helpless study: _https://bit.ly/3uVC9Yf_
- Faking It - A Look…
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Apr 22, 2022
# 14: How Do You Teach Writing Skills?
In this episode, we discuss how we teach writing skills to our own students as well as a number of valuable tools that can make the process fun and memorable.
We covered the following topics:
- Common ways to teaching writing to students
- Writer’s block or writer’s bottleneck
- Visual Organizer (The Story Star Method)
- Writing Games at Good Sensory Learning
- Technology
Google Keep
Wordtune
Scrible
- Color coding main ideas
- Learning process that matches your thinking
- Multisensory Learning
Links:
- Bullet Map Academy: _https://bulletmapacademy.com/_
- Teaching Writing Skills Course by Dr. Erica Warren: _https://bit.ly/3pA0COF_
- Writing Games and Resources at Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/collections/online-writing-courses_
- The 5 W's Detective Game: _https://bit.ly/3egXjGZ_
- Show Don’t Tell Descriptive Writing Games:
_https://bit.ly/33ONxdb_
- Google Keep: _https://keep.google.com/_…
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Apr 11, 2022
#13 How to Motivate Students to Do Their Homework
In this episode, we talk about motivation as a fire that is inside the child and it's up to us to ignite the fire and keep it burning. We also talked about how to properly praise a child through and the use of non-violent communication.
We covered the following topics:
- How to motivate children from different perspectives: teachers, parents and student
- Teach children how to manage their executive functions
- Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation
- Motivation is like a fire
- Igniting a fire starter
- Non-violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
- praising a child
- Bounce by Matthew Syed
- Executive function
Links:
- Bullet Map Academy: _https://bulletmapacademy.com/_
- Executive Functioning Resources: _https://bit.ly/35hfbQB_
- Executive Functioning and Study Skills Course: _https://bit.ly/3rMYbcJ_
- Curriculum for Excellence: _https://bit.ly/3IIBfC9_ Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication website: _https://amzn.to/35k6NzT_
- Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviole…
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Mar 30, 2022
#12: How Executive Functions, Dyslexia and ADHD Relate
In this episode, we discussed the overlap between executive function difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning difficulties.
We covered the following topics:
- Executive Functioning:
- Working Memory: Intentionally pulling, manipulating, storing information
- Inhibitory Control: Inhibit or block distractions
- Cognitive Flexibility: Shift from one task to another
- Executive Functioning and Study Skills Course by Erica
- Understanding executive function at an early age
- Dyslexia and working memory
- 3 executive functions and their color associations
- Teaching executive function with metaphors and fun games
- Manifest your superpower
- The Eclectic learning profile
Links:
The Dyslexia Advantage website: _https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/_
The Dyslexic Advantage Book: _https://amzn.to/3d87Fbt_
Bullet Map Academy link: _www.bulletmapacademy.com_
Learning Specialist Courses: _https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/_
Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsenso…
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Mar 18, 2022
#11 How Do You Teach Executive Functioning?
In this episode, we discuss a number of ways we teach executive functioning skills in our own practices.
We covered the following topics:
- Executive Functioning and Study Skills Course by Erica
- Master Mentality vs Coping Mentality
Master Mentality- People who easily learn content don’t always make good teachers
Coping Mentality- People who struggled to learn content but eventually master it often make good teachers
- Dyslexia and Executive Functioning
- Landscape of Executive Functioning in School
- Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN)
- Manual vs Automatic Thinkers
- Memory Strategies
- FlashMapping
- Dyslexic Advantage Book
Links:
The Dyslexia Advantage website: _https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/_
The Dyslexic Advantage Book: _https://amzn.to/3d87Fbt_
Bullet Map Academy link: _www.bulletmapacademy.com_
Learning Specialist Courses: _https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/_
Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/_
Executive Funct…
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Mar 11, 2022
#10 Building a Routine for Improved Executive Functions and Memory
Creating a daily routine is a way to take care of yourself, present your best self to others, and reach your ultimate goals. It also establishes priorities, limits procrastination, provides a structure that builds positive habits and can generate momentum that will carry you on the days when you are feeling rather apathetic and unmotivated.
When we build routines to automaticity, these actions become habits that require little effort or thought.
Links for reference of the topic
Planning, Time Management and Organization for Success: _https://bit.ly/3JbAfYv_
The Ultimate Editable Planner: _https://bit.ly/3ElIBca_
Executive Functioning and Study Skills Course: _https://bit.ly/3rMYbcJ_
Strategies
- Make a decision to do it
- Use technology or handheld tools to help you manage your time
- Draw out a plan
- Break large goals into smaller manageable chunks
- Set up rewards
- Commit to a daily routine and build it to automaticity (Episode 3)
- Schedule daily reminders
- Track…
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Mar 4, 2022
#9 Strategies to Help Improve Executive Function Skills
In this episode, we discuss 12 strategies that can be used to improve executive functions. We organized the discussion under four main headings:
Routines and Approaches:
1) Maintaining a structured daily routine
2) Using planners and PDAs
3) Developing study skills and strategies (spaced repetition, memory strategies, developing working memory, doing one task at a time to completion)
4) Eating a healthy diet (fish oil, colorful veggies, berries, tea/coffee, walnuts, fermented foods, dark chocolate)
Cognition and Metacognition:
5) Thinking aloud
6) Interactive games
7) Cognitive remedial therapy: Developing and strengthening the core cognitive skills
8) Brain exercises
Movement
9) Routine exercise
10) Martial arts
11) Music training
Mindfulness
12) meditation and breathwork
Links:
- Planning Time Management and Organization for Success: _https://bit.ly/3c1AaHw_
- Executive Functioning and Study Skills Course: _https://bit.ly/3rMYbcJ_
- Getting Things Done:_https://…
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Feb 25, 2022
#8 What are Higher Level Executive Functions?
Higher-Level Executive Functions unite working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Like a sound engineer in a recording studio, we can mindfully arrange, balance and adjust our mental input or perceptions into a composition. It requires a concert of reasoning, creativity, planning, pattern recognition, timing and sequencing skills.
Higher-Level Executive Functions
1. Reasoning: Act of drawing conclusions to solve problems and make decisions.
- Reasoning with information makes it memorable
2. Time management:
- Planning and prioritizing: arranging activities for the present and future.
- Making predictions: to forecast something about the future.
3. Organization: T_he process through which we mentally arrange or order information into meaningful and digestible patterns._
- Memory is improved when we organize information before we encode it.
- Keeping materials organized saves time and attention.
- Organizing ideas helps us to arrange and digest them.
- Mind…
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Feb 15, 2022
#7 Exploring Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive flexibility is part of executive functioning that helps us switch gears to changing demands, priorities and perspectives. It also helps us to consider different rules for different situations, opens pathways to creative thinking, and allows us to update goals so we can achieve them.
In a nutshell: Cognitive flexibility is a critical skill that enables individuals to accurately and efficiently respond to changing environments. In this episode, we explore cognitive flexibility in a similar way to changing gears in a car depending on the road conditions. You can think of it as sailing and adjusting your sails according to the wind and the tides. We believe it's important to find a personal metaphor in your own life that allows you relate to the concept of cognitive flexibility and manage your own cognition. A good example would be when playing golf and having to adapt to the environment based on what is happening on the golf course. So in this podcast, we'll discuss how cri…
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Dec 9, 2021
#6 How Inhibitory Control is essential to Executive Function
Inhibitory Control - Inhibitory control, also known as response inhibition, is an executive function – that permits an individual to inhibit their impulses and habitual behavioral responses in order to select a more appropriate behavior that is consistent with completing a task or goal. Ability to block distractions - Editing your moment - MUTE
Links for reference of the topic
- Jill Bolte Taylor: _https://www.drjilltaylor.com/_
- 90 Second Rule: _https://youtu.be/vxARXvljKBA_
- Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Development: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/collections/social-emotional-development_
- Executive Functioning publications at Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/collections/executive-functioning-skills-training_
- Executive Functioning Skills Workshop: _https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/courses/executive-functioning-skills-workshop_
Brought to you by
- _www.goodsensorylearning.com_
- _www.learningspecialistcourses.com_
- _www.bulletma…
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Nov 25, 2021
#5 Overview of Executive Functioning
Executive functioning conducts our multisensory symphony of cognitive skills and makes it possible for us to
- mentally juggle ideas
- think before we act
- meet unanticipated challenges
- resist temptations
- stay focused
- initiate tasks to name a few.
Today, we will offer an overview of the core executive functioning skills.
3 Core Executive Functions
- Working Memory - Ability to temporarily store, manage, and manipulate a limited amount of information for reasoning, comprehension, and the preparation of long-term memory.
- inner voice
- Inner visuals
- Inhibitory Control - Inhibitory control (one of the core EFs) involves being able to control one’s attention, behavior, thoughts, and/or emotions to override temptations and distractions, and instead do what’s appropriate or needed.
- Cognitive Flexibility - Ability to adapt thought processes in response to their ever-changing environment. - Creativity
Links for reference…
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Nov 10, 2021
#4 What is Working Memory and How Can We Strengthen This Skill?
Working memory is a complex cognitive skill that enables learners to hold pieces of information in the mind and manipulate them. It is often described as a mental workspace that helps individuals manage their memories, stay focused, block distractions, and stay abreast of their surroundings.
Alan Baddeley's theory:
- Sensory Input and Memory enable one to briefly retain the environmental information that enters cognition through our senses.
- Short-Term Memory then holds a small amount of information in an active, usable state.
- Central Executive, at the same time, directs attention and allocates priority to the two following processing activities:
- Visual-Spatial Sketchpad visualizes input in an internal visual and spatial form and then sends and receives information to and from the long-term memory.
- Phonological Loop manages, processes, repeats (as an inner voice) written and auditory material and also communicates with the long term memory.
- Episodic Buffer act…
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Oct 27, 2021
#3 Learning to Automaticity: The Only Way to Multitask
Automaticity is the ability to complete tasks without occupying the conscious mind. These tasks become an automatic, unconscious response pattern or habit. This episode reveals the benefits of automaticity for learning and the steps required to achieve this goal.
Steps of automaticity:
* Make a conscious choice to acquire a habit.
* Focus all your attention on this task and manage all distractions.
* Repeatedly learn small sets of information.
* Making your training progressively more difficult. “Slow (careful) is - Smooth is fast.”
* Decrease the time it takes to complete the task.
* Practicing doing this task while doing something else.
* Finally, as Pablo Picasso once said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Links:
* Dance Mat Typing: _https://bbc.in/3vM7B9M_
* Blink By Malcolm Gladwell: _https://amzn.to/3beBje9_
* Multisensory Multiplication and Division to Melodies: _https://bit.ly/3CgUf7X_
Brought to you by
- _www…
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Oct 12, 2021
#2 How Can We Exercise and Improve Visualization Skills?
This episode continues our discussion on the mind’s eye and goes into ways we can exercise and improve one’s visualization capacity. We discuss the 10 visualization skills as defined by Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher. We will also teach you a game you can play with others to improve this needed skill.
Links for reference of the topic:
- Visualization for Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/mindful-visualization-for-learning-document?_pos=3&_sid=37aca8e67&_ss=r_
- The Visualization Game: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/the-visualization-game?_pos=1&_sid=37aca8e67&_ss=r_
- Visualization: The Secret Weapon to Learning Workshops: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/products/1416663?_pos=2&_sid=37aca8e67&_ss=r_
- Teaching Visualization PPT: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/search?type=product&q=teaching+visualization+PPT_
Brought to you by
- _www.goodsensorylearning.com_
- _www.learningspecialistcourses.com_
- _www.bulletmapacademy.com_
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Oct 5, 2021
#1 What is Visualization and How Can it Help Struggling Learners?
Visualization is the ability to create mental images within one’s mind. These imaginary pictures or mind movies enable us to see experiences from the past, conjure up ideas in the present, or even project visuals into the future. In our first podcast, we reviewed how visualization can improve memory, make books and other academic classes come alive, and improve our attention, and speed of learning.
Links for reference of the topic:
- Go Dyslexia Podcast: _https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/go-dyslexia-podcast/id1104665925_
- Good Sensory Learning: _https://goodsensorylearning.com/_
- Learning Specialist Courses: _https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/_
- Dyslexia Explored: _https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dyslexia-explored/id1387645599_
Brought to you by
- _www.goodsensorylearning.com_
- _www.learningspecialistcourses.com_
- _www.bulletmapacademy.com_
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Sep 28, 2021
Intro to The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast
Hear about the genesis and purpose of this podcast, as well as background information about the hosts. Join us on an adventure to translate scientific jargon and brain research into simple metaphors and stories. We explore topics that will help you turbocharge your mind and steer around the invisible barriers so that you can achieve your goals.
Links for reference:
- Go Dyslexia Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/go-dyslexia-podcast/id1104665925
- Good Sensory Learning: https://goodsensorylearning.com/
- Learning Specialist Courses: https://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
- Dyslexia Explored: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dyslexia-explored/id1387645599
- The Stick Shift Thinker: _https://bulletmapacademy.com/stickshift/_
Brought to you by
- _www.goodsensorylearning.com_
- _www.learningspecialistcourses.com_
- _www.bulletmapacademy.com_
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