A Transdiagnostic Approach to Develop Organization, Attention and Learning Skills

Description

A Transdiagnostic Approach to Develop Organization, Attention and Learning Skills introduces the GOALS program — an innovative and skill-based approach that addresses the unique array of academic, occupational, and socio-emotional difficulties commonly faced by college students with underdeveloped executive functions. This program consists of ten sessions delivered in a group format to help college students improve their academic performance. Over the course of these sessions, participants learn strategies to prioritize tasks and assignments; schedule and manage life responsibilities; cope with life stressors; identify relevant on-campus resources; prepare for upcoming exams; take well-structured notes; maintain motivation; and several other strategies designed to reach their academic goals. Each session builds on earlier sessions, so previously learned skills lay the foundation for the successful implementation of newly learned skills. This practical and easy-to-implement program includes detailed session notes for group leaders and reproducible handouts for participants including in-session activities, session summaries, and homework assignments. This treatment manual is an essential resource for mental health providers who deliver interventions to students enrolled in post-secondary institutions pursuing undergraduate or graduate level degrees. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Contents About the Authors Introduction Case Example The Essentials of Executive Functions Inhibitory Control Working Memory Cognitive Flexibility Current Treatments for Executive Dysfunction Academic Accommodations and Medication Cognitive Behavioral Interventions Effectiveness of the GOALS Program Implementation of the GOALS Program Purpose and Structure of the GOALS Program Who Should Participate? Basic Manual Structure Who Should Use the GOALS Program? User's Guide for GOALS Treatment Manual General Tips and Considerations The Importance of Outlining Expectations Building the Intervention Group and Tracking Progress References Chapter 1. Introduction to the Goals Program Quick Look Objectives Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Describe the GOALS Program and Its Rationale General Overview of the GOALS Program Why Are Group Members Here? Why Are Group Leaders Here? Overall Program Objectives Expectations for the GOALS Program Explain How Skills Are Taught Executive Functions Psychoeducation The Importance of Executive Functions Orbitofrontal Cortex Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Hippocampus Parietal Lobe Prefrontal Cortex Skill Introduction: Contingent Self-Rewards Describe Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up References Appendix 1.1 Session 1 Outline Introduction to the Group for Organization, Attention and Learning Skills (GOALS) Appendix 1.2 Session 1 Handout Executive Functions Psychoeducation Orbitofrontal Cortex Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Hippocampus Parietal Lobe Prefrontal Cortex Appendix 1.3 Session 1 Homework Self-Rewards and Barriers to Success Chapter 2. Self-Advocacy and Building Motivation Quick Look Objectives Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Skills Introduction: Extracting Important Information From Course Syallabi Describe Demonstrate Skills Introduction: Effective Communication and On-Campus Resources Describe Demonstrate Discuss Skills Introduction: Self-Rewards Describe Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up Appendix 2.1 Session 2 Outline Self-Advocacy and Building Motivation SKILL: Extracting Important Information From Course Syllabi SKILL: Effective Communication General Tips Scheduling and Preparing for Your Meeting Following Through on What You Learn During Your Meeting Skill: Self-Rewards Appendix 2.2 Session 2 Handout Extracting Vital Information From a Course Syllabus What is a course syllabus? Important Elements of a Syllabus Course Information Instructor Information Required Materials Assignments and Evaluations Course Outline/Schedule Policies and Procedures Keep in Mind Appendix 2.3 Session 2 Activity Instructor Role-Plays Appendix 2.4 Campus Resources Handout Development Guide and Template Academic Success Example Academic Success Section Personal Matters Example Personal Matters Section Campus Resources Academic Success Personal Matters Appendix 2.5 Session 2 Handout Accessing Accommodations The Americans With Disabilities Act (1990) Appendix 2.6 Session 2 Handout Emailing an Instructor Appendix 2.7 Session 2 Homework Effective Communication Worksheet Appendix 2.8 Session 2 Homework Self-Rewards List Appendix 2.9 Session 2 Homework Self-Rewards Implementation Worksheet Chapter 3. Taking Notes From Lectures and Course Readings Quick Look Objective Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Skills Introduction: Taking Notes From Lectures and Course Readings Describe Prepare Listen Take notes General strategies Electronic note-taking strategy Handwritten note-taking strategy Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up References Appendix 3.1 Session 3 Outline Taking Notes From Lectures and Course Readings Prepare Listen Take Notes Appendix 3.2 Session 3 Activity Note-Taking Passage Appendix 3.3 Session 3 Handout Blank Note Framework Appendix 3.4 Session 3 Handout Note-Taking Example Chapter 4. Time Awareness and Tuning Out Distractions Quick Look Objectives Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Skills Introduction: Time Awareness Describe Demonstrate Discuss Skills Introduction: Mindfulness Describe Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up References Appendix 4.1 Session 4 Outline Time Awareness and Tuning Out Distractions Time Awareness Mindfulness Appendix 4.2 Session 4 Handout Time Awareness Word Search Appendix 4.3 Session 4 Handout Mindfulness Exercises Recognizing Your Body and Surroundings Mindfully Eating a Piece of Fruit Examples of Fruit to Use: Holding/Seeing Touching Smelling Engaging Tasting Swallowing Concluding Appendix 4.4 Session 4 Homework Time Awareness Worksheet Appendix 4.5 Session 4 Homework Mindfulness Practice Activity 1 Activity 2 Chapter 5. Prioritizing and Scheduling Tasks Quick Look Objectives Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Skills Introduction: Listing and Prioritizing Tasks To-Do Lists Prioritizing Tasks Important/Urgent Diagram Demonstrate Discuss Skills Introduction: Scheduling Tasks Using a Planner Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up Reference Appendix 5.1 Session 5 Outline Prioritizing and Scheduling Tasks Listing and Prioritizing Tasks Strategies for Prioritizing Tasks Using a Planner to Schedule Tasks Appendix 5.2 Session 5 Handout Appendix 5.3 Session 5 Homework Listing and Prioritizing Tasks Chapter 6. Program Review and Getting Organized Quick Look Objectives Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Mindfulness Practice Exercise: Focus on a Single Object Discuss Check-In Skills Review Discuss Demonstrate Skills Introduction: Workspace and Course Material Organization Describe Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up Appendix 6.1 Session 6 Outline Organizing Your Workspace and Course Materials Advantages of Keeping Things Organized Tips for Organizing Your Workspace and Materials Chapter 7. Overcoming Procrastination and Coping With Stress Quick Look Objectives Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Skills Introduction: Overcoming Procrastination Describe If overwhelmed→break the task down into smaller and more manageable parts If Distracted→Use Visual Cues So Tasks Requiring Attention Cannot Be Ignored If It Is Hard To Get Started→Make Use of Rewards As a Means of Motivation Demonstrate Discuss Skills Introduction: Stress Management Describe Distraction by Counting (adapted from Rathus & Miller, 2014) Distraction by Changing the Emotional State (adapted from Rathus & Miller, 2014) Self-Sooth by Using the Senses (adapted from Rathus & Miller, 2014) Where Are You Now? Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up References Appendix 7.1 Session 7 Outline Overcoming Procrastination and Coping With Stress Overcoming Procrastination Useful Strategies Stress Management Appendix 7.2 Session 7 Homework Implementing Stress Management Techniques Describe the Stressful Situation Describe the Stressful Situation Chapter 8. Planning a Long-Term Project Quick Look Objective Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Homework Review Skills Introduction: Planning a Long-Term Project Describe Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up Appendix 8.1 Session 8 Outline Planning a Long-Term Project Planning a Project The Steps of Planning a Project Strategies for Success Appendix 8.2 Session 8 Activity Planning a Project Worksheet Chapter 9. Studying for Tests of Varying Formats Quick Look Objective Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Skills Introduction: Studying for Tests Describe Read Re-write Review Strategies for Specific Test Formats Multiple-Choice Questions Short-Answer and Essay Questions Demonstrate Discuss Wrap-Up Appendix 9.1 Session 9 Outline Studying for Tests of Varying Formats General Test Preparation Strategies Read Re-write Review Strategies for Specific Test Formats Multiple-Choice Questions Short-Answer and Essay Questions Appendix 9.2 Session 9 Activity Example Practice Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Short Answer Question Essay Question Appendix 9.3 Session 9 Homework Practice Study Questions Chapter 10. Summary of Program and Progress Made Quick Look Objectives Materials Needed Session Highlights Detailed Session Content Check-In Skills Review Discuss Wrap-Up Appendix 10.1 Skills Review: Sessions 2 through 9 Index