Student stress levels are an issue highlighted in the initial findings of the IB’s recent DP student workload study pilot. Today’s IBDP learners have an unprecedented amount of information and data thrown at them that they need to process. This can cause a cognitive 'overload' that contributes to a lack of focus and feelings of stress.

How can we help students to cope with this 'information tsunami' experienced through social media, 'fake' news and up-to-the-minute stories from around the world? How can we ensure that they are able to build and demonstrate 'self-management,' a key skill outlined in the Approaches to Learning framework? How can we ensure they remain compassionate and empathetic in this environment? Teaching strategies for cognitive control is one potential solution.

Cognitive control describes the process in which an individual employs control over their brain's information processing and the associated behaviour.

This unique challenge that learners are facing is something that we can provide coping strategies for. There are some simple practical exercises which can allow students to strengthen the connection between the Prefrontal Cortex (information processing) and the Amygdala (emotions). 

Research demonstrates that this connection can be exercised and improved over time, which will have a significant impact on cognitive control, improving focus and results.

Approaches to teaching and learning framework
​Daniel Goleman
​Mindfulness Ted Talk
​Mindful teachers
​The learning scientists

Headspace
​Breathr
​Smiling Mind
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