Executive Functioning, the SRL Cycle & Previewing A Dam Good Argument
Berea College, Education Studies Department · Instructor: Dr. Greer-Effs
Session Learning Objectives
- Define core executive functioning (EF) skills and identify how they show up in college coursework.
- Explain how brain development in adolescence and early adulthood, including synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning, supports the growth of EF skills.
- Preview the course text, A Dam Good Argument, and generate questions about its title, tone, and content.
- Describe the self-regulated learning (SRL) cycle (Plan, Monitor, Evaluate) and connect it to the writing process.
- Draft an SRL Planning Memo that applies the Plan phase to an upcoming writing assignment.
Agenda at a Glance
| Time | Segment | Min |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 – 1:05 PM | Mindful Minute (opening grounding practice) | 5 |
| 1:05 – 1:35 PM | Executive Functioning Skills Exploration + Infographic | 30 |
| 1:35 – 1:50 PM | Previewing the Course Text: A Dam Good Argument | 15 |
| 1:50 – 2:15 PM | SRL Cycle (Plan, Monitor, Evaluate) & EF and Writing | 25 |
| 2:15 – 2:45 PM | SRL Planning Memo #1 Activity (explanation, model, drafting) | 30 |
| 2:45 – 2:50 PM | Closing / Exit Ticket & Preview of Next Class | 5 |
1. Mindful Minute
Why this matters: Brief mindfulness practice supports attention regulation and working memory, two of the core executive functions we will explore today.
1-Minute Mindful Breathing
Before we begin, let's settle in. Sit comfortably, soften your shoulders, and follow the circle for one minute.
2. Executive Functioning Skills Exploration
Executive function is the brain's management system, the set of cognitive processes that let us plan, focus attention, hold information in mind, and juggle multiple tasks. Explore the core EF skills below, then discuss the prompts with a partner.
Brain development in college
Adolescence and early adulthood bring a wave of synaptogenesis (rapid growth of new synaptic connections) followed by synaptic pruning (refining the connections that are used most). This reshapes the prefrontal cortex, the brain region most responsible for executive function. College is a powerful window to strengthen these skills.
Synaptogenesis: connections grow
Synaptic pruning: pathways refine
Core executive functioning skills. Tap a card to see a college example.
Discussion prompts (think-pair-share)
3. Previewing the Course Text: A Dam Good Argument
A Dam Good Argument by Liz Delf, Rob Drummond, and Kristy Kelly (Oregon State University) is an open-access, conversational introduction to college-level argumentative writing, covering persuasion, constructing arguments, working with sources, and style and mechanics. Open the text
Preview questions (whole class or pairs)
- The title plays on the phrase a dam good argument. What does this playful title suggest about the book's tone and voice, and how might that shape your expectations for a writing course text?
- Skim the table of contents. Which chapter or topic are you most curious about, and why?
- The book opens by describing arguments as all around us. Where in your own daily life (social media, family conversations, coursework) have you noticed someone trying to persuade you? What made their argument effective, or not?
- Based on the title and preview, what do you predict this book will and will not do? What are you hoping to get out of it this semester?
- How might understanding argument structure connect to the executive functioning skills we just discussed, especially planning, organization, and self-monitoring?
4. SRL Cycle (Plan, Monitor, Evaluate) & EF and Writing
Zimmerman's cyclical model of self-regulated learning has three phases, forethought, performance, and self-reflection, described here in student-facing language as Plan, Monitor, and Evaluate. Tap each phase to see how it connects to writing.
Analyze the writing task, set goals, choose strategies, and estimate time.
Writing connection: Before you write: break down the assignment, set a goal, and schedule the work.
Discussion prompt
Think of the last essay or paper you wrote. Which phase of the SRL cycle, Plan, Monitor, or Evaluate, did you spend the least time on? What would change if you gave that phase more attention on your next essay?
5. SRL Planning Memo #1 Activity
Purpose: Get hands-on practice with the Plan phase by writing a short, informal planning memo for Argumentative Essay #1 (1,200–1,500 words, per the syllabus). The memo asks you to task-analyze the assignment, set at least one goal, anticipate an EF-related obstacle, and name a concrete strategy and timeline.
Format: One page, informal but complete, addressed to "Future Me." Due at the start of the next class session, submitted via Moodle. Include all five sections below.
- Task Analysis — what the assignment requires and when it is due
- Goal(s) — one or two specific, achievable goals for getting started
- Anticipated EF Obstacle — the specific executive functioning challenge most likely to slow you down
- Strategy & Timeline — one concrete strategy, with a specific day/time you will use it
- Success Looks Like... — a short, concrete description of what "on track" will look like by the next class
Activity page: Draft your memo
Open the linked activity page to draft your memo online. You can write all five sections, save your work, and upload an image from your desktop or phone if it helps support your writing.
Open SRL Planning Memo6. Closing / Exit Ticket
Before we close, take a minute to reflect and post your exit ticket below. We will preview next class before you go.
No responses yet. Be the first to share!
Remember to submit your finished SRL Planning Memo #1 on our course Moodle by the start of next class.