Nuturing the Executive Function
November 2016
NURTURING THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
I’ve got it!
You’ve got it!
We’ve all got it to some degree.
But what is the EXECUTIVE FUNCTION?
Many experts are convinced that the executive function is a better predictor of academic and life success than IQ. Something that important is something that I want to know more about. Let me share what I’ve found out!
WHY?
Executive function is a trait that begins in infancy and continues to develop throughout childhood into adolescence. An interesting aspect of EF is that it tends to transfer from one situation to the next. A child who learns to self-regulate in the classroom will also find it easier to self-regulate on the soccer field. There are many facets to executive function, and it’s helpful to think of a child on a continuum, rather than having or lacking EF. Definitions of EF are broad and diverse, but these are some common characteristics of the executive function:
Inhibition – can think about consequences before acting
Self-regulation – can stop oneself from inappropriate behavior
Initiation – starts new tasks independently
Organization – can organize thoughts as well as materials
Planning – can think through steps and prioritize
Time Management – predicts how long things will take and works at an appropriate speed
Adaptability and Flexibility – is able to shift focus and adapt strategies
Working Memory – can keep information in one’s mind (aka teacher’s directions)
Multi-tasks – can deal with several things simultaneously
Self-awareness – chooses a level that is not too difficult or too easy - asks for help when necessary
Emotional Control – is aware of and can manage feelings
Personal Satisfaction – derives pleasure from reinforcers
Focus – can attend to details and avoid being distracted
Self-monitoring – can reflect on one’s work and evaluate personal performance
Delayed Gratification – resists immediate reward for a larger reward later
Does this sound like the “star student”? The student who can multi-task, works independently, gets along with others, follows directions, enjoys learning, obeys rules, etcetera, etcetera. It also sounds like the job description for “employee of the month.”