Consistency is the key

By Rachel Salinger, Learning Specialist

Practice makes perfect. We’ve all heard these words before in our lives. It could be around practicing an instrument, that new workout routine, or keeping up with homework. While practice certainly helps, the true key to success is consistent practice. 

Some people say it takes 21 days to build a habit (that was a myth). Recent research says that it can take anywhere from 66-254 days depending on the complexity of the habit. The reality is, there is no magic number of days or time limit on how long it creates to build a lasting habit. (Source).  Many of us create New Year’s resolutions that seem attainable at the time, but by February they are in the rearview mirror. In fact, only 9% of people keep their resolutions for the whole year. So why are we expected to create a lasting habit in 21 days? Phillippa Lally, a senior lecturer in psychology and the co-director of the Habit Application and Theory group at the University of Surrey in England argues that “Everyone has a unique habit-building timeline—and no matter how long it is for any individual, repetition is the key to making it work.” (Source). The same rings true for students and their progress while developing executive function skills; consistency matters when it comes to EF skill development.

At Engaging Minds, we’ve designed our coaching program so that students receive at least one 55 minute session per week. During this session, experienced instructors help students identify tasks (including long-term, short-term and overdue items), create a prioritized to-do list and weave in executive function skills to the assignments. Students who enroll in our program receive a one-on-one, individualized approach to their learning that helps them build the skills they need to be successful. We believe that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to coaching and learning. Using students’ schoolwork, we teach them how to approach their work in a thoughtful, organized way, allowing them to learn ways to problem-solve and prioritize work and tasks. Through consistent practice, routine, and follow-through, we set students up for independent success. 

Trusting relationships

Consistent meetings between students and instructors allows a relationship to form that ensures a sense of security and trust. Through this trusting and honest relationship, students can develop a new toolbox of skills and strategies that allows them to experience success and more confidence in their work. One-on-one instruction allows individualized attention to each student’s needs and goals, while simultaneously building their skills through personalized feedback. One-on-one instruction removes the peer pressure from the classroom environment, allowing both student and instructor a more flexible and collaborative approach to learning.

Regular self-monitoring

Consistency plays a crucial role in helping students develop self-monitoring skills, which are essential for academic success and growth. When students encounter consistent expectations, routines, and feedback, they are better able to track their progress, reflect on their performance, and make necessary adjustments to improve. A weekly check-in on student portals, grades, and missing assignments allow students to identify work that needs to be done. If we only see students 1 or 2x a month, we lose the opportunity to help students identify failing grades and/or missing assignments in real time.

Follow-through with goals

Weekly sessions allow for consistent practice with follow-through. During each Engaging Minds session, students and instructors work collaboratively to create an action plan. These action plans build off the EF skills worked on in session, giving students the opportunity to practice tools and strategies independently.  By serving as accountability partners, Engaging Minds instructors help students develop the discipline needed to stay on track and follow through with their goals. When students take ownership of their actions, learning, and commitments, they develop the skills necessary to achieve their goals.

Practicing skills with repetition

While consistently meeting and maintaining routines is crucial to success, so is repeatedly practicing executive function skills. When students learn a new skill, it is important to follow the gradual release of responsibility model. The gradual release of responsibility model is the idea that a teacher will model a skill or strategy for the student, then give students time to practice with some support, and then release the students to begin practicing on their own. Practicing skills such as working in short bursts with a timer, reading and breaking down directions, or making a personalized homework routine all require practice and repetition, with the end goal of students being able to apply these skills and strategies on their own.

True success in developing executive function skills comes from consistent practice, repetition, and follow-through. At Engaging Minds, we recognize that every student has a unique learning journey, and our individualized coaching approach ensures that they receive the support they need to build lasting habits. By fostering trusting relationships, encouraging regular self-monitoring, and reinforcing goal-setting strategies, we empower students to take ownership of their learning. Through steady effort and guided practice, students gain the confidence and skills necessary to navigate their academic responsibilities independently, setting them up for long-term success.