Embedded Files
Click below for some videos regarding Executive Function:
This video from The Education Hub provides an introduction to executive function and how you can support in the classroom.
This video from the Parent Lab provides an introduction to executive function for parents and explains it in a useful way.
This video from myfuture Australia is the second part of a three part series that is directed towards older students (the first part is not as relevant). This second part outlines what executive function is in an accessible manner.
This is the third video from myfuture Australia that goes on to explain what students can do to develop their executive functioning skills.
Downloadable PDF - What is executive function?
Information adapted from Understood.org, ADDitude and Devon County Council
Executive Function
Executive function (EF) describes a group of mental processes which work together to help someone to plan, focus and shift attention, be aware of time, remember instructions and juggle multiple mental tasks successfully.
The three main areas of executive function are:
1. Working memory
What it is: The ability to keep information in mind and then use it in some way
Example: An employee might use this skill to hold on to information needed to work on a bigger project, like a presentation or a report.
2. Cognitive flexibility (flexible thinking)
What it is: The ability to think about something in more than one way
Example: A student might use this skill to answer a math problem in two ways or to find relationships between different concepts.
3. Inhibitory control (includes self-control)
What it is: The ability to ignore distractions and resist temptation
Example: A child might use this skill to keep from blurting out an answer in class or to stay seated until dinner is done. Inhibitory control also keeps people from acting impulsively.
Skills related to executive function
Here are some other skills that might be hard for people who struggle with executive function.
Reflection: Reflection is a process that allows people to stop and think before they respond to something. This skill is key for solving problems. The more they practice it, the better adults and kids get at reflection.
Processing speed: People need to go through a reflection process quickly in order to solve problems on time. That’s where processing speed comes in. Some experts view this skill as the engine that drives how well people use executive function skills to solve problems and achieve goals.
Facts about executive functioning (EF)
Many classrooms work by expecting children and young people to wait their turn, put up their hand, plan how to complete work and organise their things. These tasks all require EF.
Children with ADHD and/or Autism often, but not always, experience differences in their EF skills.
We are not born with fully developed EF skills but have the potential to develop them over our lifetime.
Some scientists believe that EF is critical to learning and that it is more useful for literacy and numeracy learning than IQ.
Using the same strategies at school and home can help to build strengths and develop ways to work around EF processes, e.g., organisation tools such as checklists, graphic organisers, task boards etc.
Click below for a downloadable poster that summarizes Executive Functions:
Executive Functions.pdfClick on the buttons below for more information:
Executive Function: Further Learning
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