Discussions to Help Middle School Students Stay on Task and Strengthen Their Working Memory

Posted In Discussion On March 21, 2025

Keeping middle school students engaged and helping them stay on task is a challenge many educators face. Executive function skills, particularly working memory, play a crucial role in students’ ability to remember directions, complete assignments, and manage distractions. By incorporating executive function instruction into the classroom, teachers can equip students with the tools they need to improve academic performance and develop essential working memory skills.

In this blog, we’ll explore key discussion questions that promote student talk while teaching executive function skills related to working memory. These student engagement strategies will help improve student performance, boost confidence, and foster a productive learning environment.

Student Talk to Improve Working Memory and Stay on Task

1. Can you think of a time when you were so distracted that you couldn’t focus on your task? What distracted you, and what did you do? If you could do it again, what would you change?

Middle school students face numerous distractions, from social media notifications to conversations with friends. Encouraging students to reflect on moments when they struggled to stay on task helps them become more self-aware. Through executive function lessons, students can develop self-monitoring techniques to manage distractions effectively. A great strategy is to ask students to share real-life examples of distractions they have encountered and discuss solutions. For instance, if a student found themselves zoning out during a lecture because of background noise, they might suggest using noise-canceling headphones or sitting closer to the teacher next time.

2. Why is working memory important in class? How would your classroom improve if everyone remembered directions, stayed focused, and worked without being reminded? Why do you think it’s hard for some students to do this?

This question highlights the significance of working memory in student behavior management and academic success. When students stay on task, they retain information better, complete assignments efficiently, and contribute to a more organized classroom environment. However, many students struggle with working memory due to learning differences, anxiety, or external distractions. Teaching executive function skills through explicit instruction and executive function interventions can help students develop the cognitive skills necessary to follow multi-step directions, stay engaged in lessons, and improve academic performance.

3. What strategies do you use to help you remember important information? Can you share one that works well for you?

Students often have different techniques that help them stay on task and retain information. Some may use mnemonic devices, while others benefit from visual aids, note-taking, or repetition. Teachers can foster student empowerment by encouraging peer discussions where students share their strategies. This collaboration not only strengthens working memory but also enhances students’ social skills as they learn from one another.

4. How do distractions, like noise or your thoughts, make it harder to pay attention? What can you do to manage those distractions?

Understanding the impact of distractions is a key component of solving executive function challenges. By discussing how external (e.g., loud noises) and internal (e.g., wandering thoughts) distractions affect working memory, students gain insight into their personal struggles with attention. A helpful executive function strategy is to encourage students to experiment with focus techniques such as deep breathing, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or using a checklist to track progress. These executive function tools can help students stay on task even in distracting environments.

5. What are some ways you stay focused on your work without being reminded?

Self-monitoring and focus and attention are critical for improving a student’s academic performance. Encouraging students to identify and share their focus techniques builds confidence and reinforces the value of self-discipline. Teachers can integrate executive function learning by modeling strategies such as setting clear goals, using reminder systems, and establishing structured routines. By incorporating these executive function strategies into daily instruction, educators can help students develop habits that support sustained attention and self-management.

Building Executive Function Skills for Long-Term Success

Teaching executive function skills is not just about improving working memory—it’s about equipping students with the lifelong skills they need to stay on task and achieve their academic goals. Implementing an executive function curriculum ensures that students receive consistent instruction in managing distractions, remembering information, and developing organizational habits.

By fostering student engagement through meaningful discussions and peer interactions, educators can improve student learning needs while strengthening working memory. Encouraging students to reflect on their own strategies and learn from others not only enhances executive function learning but also creates a supportive classroom environment.

Want more discussion questions to help students stay on task and develop working memory skills? Click below to explore additional resources:

• Working Memory Discussion Questions for Grades 1-4
• Working Memory Discussion Questions for Grades 9-12
• Learn More About Our Executive Function Curriculum

For more tips on executive function instruction and student strategies, sign up for our newsletter!

By incorporating these executive function interventions into daily lessons, teachers can foster student confidence building, improve academic performance, and create a structured environment where all students can thrive. Helping students stay on task is a team effort—let’s give them the tools they need for success!