Executive function

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Executive function

HomeSchool resourcesExecutive function

Topic summary

Executive function refers to a set of skills that are foundational to success in life and learning.

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.

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

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. 

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.

  • 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?

Research reviews

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.

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.

Executive function in secondary school

How to support and promote essential executive function skills in secondary school classrooms.

Strategies for promoting executive function in secondary school

Approaches for supporting secondary school students to consciously build and hone their executive function skills.

Webinars

Understanding ADHD

Dr Dione Healey (University of Otago) shares insights from her extensive research into ADHD, much of which is concerned with supporting children with ADHD through cognitive training

Infographics

Executive function infographic

Executive function skills support wellbeing and success at school and in life. Find out more about how to promote and develop them

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