Husson University Assistant Professor and Occupational Therapist Dr. Lauren Fysh presented a dynamic workshop to Hermon High School teachers on “Helping Students Think in a World Built to Distract”. Drawing on her strong background in student behavior and cognitive development, Dr. Fysh provided strategies designed to increase student focus, promote independent and critical thinking, and support persistence in learning.
One of the biggest takeaways from Dr. Fysh’s session was the encouragement for teachers to audit their teaching environment. Strategies like controlling for sensory demand and asking “Where are you stuck?” or “What might you try next?” all support persistence and independence. Her final guidance of “What we practice, we strengthen” will help Hermon teachers to continue building strong, focused classrooms.