Neurodivergent students benefit from unique success strategy
TRIO/Student Success Services (TRIO/SSS) and the tutor team at Dakota County Technical College are incorporating the “body doubling” concept into the Center for Student Success study tables as a way to meet the needs for neurodivergent students or students with executive functioning barriers.
Megan Petersen
“Body doubling is simply completing an assignment or task with another person present,” said Megan Petersen, a TRIO/SSS advisor. “You can ask a classmate or friend to be your body double. That can mean just having them present while you do your homework. You can also go to the college library or the main commons to study, anywhere you know other people will be.”
Megan added that your body double can even be with you via a video chat or over the phone.
“Just knowing someone is present with you and aware that you are getting your work done can and does increase your motivation and ability to follow through with your assignments,” she said. “Virtually anyone you know can be your body double—and they can be working on a separate task and don’t need to interact with you directly to be effective at helping you stay on track.”
Staff perspectives
Michelle Caron
Michelle Caron
“The Trio/SSS Study Table has been a success in that students can work independently, yet have tutors available if they have questions or need help. Many have commented that the ‘body doubling’ or accountability is helpful, as well as the committed study time each week.”
Michelle Caron
Writing Tutor
Dakota County Technical College
Heather Kleimola-Hulbert
Heather Kleimola-Hulbert
“I think the study table is a great option for anyone who wants a little extra accountability or a way to check in with a tutor while working on assignments. For myself, I find I am much more motivated when others are working on a similar task whether it’s chores, working out, or studying. I love that we can offer some of that accountability and motivation through having the study table.”
Heather Kleimola-Hulbert
General Tutor
Dakota County Technical College
Student perspectives
Hailey Schneller
Hailey Schneller
Career plans: Becoming a kindergarten or first-grade teacher
“The TRIO/SSS body doubling study table has allowed me much-needed time to accomplish assignments, ask questions, and talk through stressful assignments. These study tables ease my anxiety knowing I have a set day and time when I can work on my schooling.”
Bethany Mejia-Elias
Age: 22
Hometown: Sterling, Virginia
Major and degree earning at DCTC: Individualized Studies A.S.
Extracurricular activities at DCTC: Student Senate, Rotaract Club, Student Ambassador (I really enjoy volunteering!
Transfer plans: Transferring to St. Mary’s University of Minnesota spring 2024 to work toward becoming a licensed therapist and then a psychologist
Career goals: Become a psychologist working with children or young adults
“TRIO body doubling has helped me by hold myself accountable every Thursday. This study time has helped me stay on track this semester. I highly encourage other students to take advantage of this study time!”
Stasia McKinney
Age: 22
Hometown: Prior Lake, Minnesota
Major and degree earning at DCTC: Early Childhood & Youth Development A.A.S.
Career goals: Open her own in-home family childcare business
“The study table helps me prioritize my difficult assignments because I can ask the tutors for help as I go.”
More information about body doubling…
Verywell Mind: “How The Body Doubling Technique Can Help When You Have ADHD”
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): “The Body Double: A Unique Tool for Getting Things Done”
CNN Health: “The benefits of ‘body doubling’ when you have ADHD, according to experts”
Myndlift: “How ‘Body Doubling’ Improves Productivity”
Learn more about the TRIO/SSS body doubling study tables at DCTC by contacting:
Megan Petersen
TRIO/SSS Advisor
Dakota County Technical College
651-423-8384
