Designed for teachers of kindergarten to Grade 3, the webinar examined how executive functioning skills (attention control, self-regulation, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation) shape learners' ability to engage in reading, numeracy, and foundational inquiry. It also equipped teachers with practical strategies, including visual cues, structured routines, memory aids, guided practice, and step-by-step prompts, to strengthen remediation in the classroom.
The sessions underscored the importance of developing executive functioning skills early. Neuropsychologist Dr. Maria Melinda Tan shared, "When children are given opportunities to strengthen executive function and self-regulation, the benefits extend beyond the classroom and can positively shape both individuals and society."
Dr. Princess Zarla Raguindin of the Philippine Normal University reminded participants that "the teacher who shows up every day is the first and most powerful scaffold for developing learners' executive functioning skills."
Meanwhile, Dr. Louie Dasas, assistant dean of the UST College of Education, emphasized the long-term value of early intervention. "If we develop these skills in Key Stage 1, learners can carry them through later grade levels, college, and eventually the workplace," he shared.
To deepen the learning experience, GBF also brought TeachSTEM scholars together for an in-person session with the resource persons. Reflecting on the experience, one scholar shared, "Before learning about executive functions, I saw these as behavioral problems. Now, I understand them as valuable clues that help me better support my students."
Through learning opportunities like the ARAL Series, GBF STEM Collab and DepEd NEAP continue to equip Filipino educators with research-based practices that strengthen classroom instruction and support learners on their journey toward academic recovery.
GBF STEM Collab is a dynamic community of STEM educators enhancing their knowledge and skills through learning sessions, community engagement, and peer learning. If you want to be part of our growing community, click this to join.
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