Executive function
Executive function refers to a set of skills that are foundational to success in life and learning.
Definition
Executive function is a set of skills that stems from the coordination of three cognitive processes: cognitive flexibility, working memory and inhibitory control. These skills help us plan, focus, remember instructions and complete tasks. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to pay attention and switch attention from one task to another. Working memory enables us to mentally hold and process information, and inhibitory control allows us to stop an impulse and display a more appropriate response.
Relevance
Executive function skills are foundational for success in education, employment, and in social situations throughout life. Executive function skills are important for many aspects of our lives, including:
- Mental and physical health
- Effective social communication
- Short and long-term success in school
- University completion
State of the evidence
Over the past two decades a strong body of evidence has developed demonstrating the importance of executive function skills across the lifespan. There also is a growing body of evidence on how to support executive function in young children and school students.
In practice
Executive function skills are particularly malleable in early childhood, but these skills can also be taught, practised and improved when children are at primary and secondary school. At the core of building strong executive function skills is establishing positive relationships with students. Modelling what strong executive function skills look like is also important as children and young people look to adults as a guide for their own behaviour. Teachers can support the development of executive function skills in their students by ensuring the classroom environment and programme are organised and well structured, by supporting students to be independent, and by involving families in the supporting and promoting the development of executive function.
Guiding questions
- Can you identify students who struggle with focusing and paying attention, persisting on tasks or demonstrating self-control?
- What do you do to support students who appear to have weaker executive function skills?
- How do you model and build positive behaviour into your interactions, routines and activities with students?
- How can you build on your current practices to further support students’ executive function skills?
Developing the components of executive function in the primary school classroom
An exploration of the different skills that make up executive function, and how to develop them in primary school classrooms.
Games and activities for promoting executive function in lower primary school
A closer look at some strategies for helping students in Years 1-4 develop their executive function skills.
Activities and approaches for promoting executive function in upper primary school
A range of games and activities to support students in Years 5-8 to build their executive function skills.
Strategies for promoting executive function in secondary school
Approaches for supporting secondary school students to consciously build and hone their executive function skills.
Executive function in secondary school
How to support and promote essential executive function skills in secondary school classrooms.
Executive function in primary school
An overview of executive function, why it’s important, and how it can be supported and developed at primary school.
Beyond reading: Understanding dyslexia and executive function
This webinar with Associate Professor Rebecca Gordon from University College London explores the common difficulties many people with dyslexia experience, and offers practical insights for teachers and school leaders supporting learners of all ages.
Understanding ADHD
Dr Dione Healey shares insights from her extensive research into ADHD, much of which is concerned with supporting children with ADHD through cognitive training.
How to support the success of dyslexic students at school and beyond
Key insights on supporting dyslexic students from a webinar with Associate Professor Rebecca Gordon from University College London.
Understanding ADHD
The key insights from our webinar with Associate Professor Dione Healey on understanding ADHD.
A short introduction to executive function
The key things you need to know about what executive function is and how to support it in children.