Executive Functioning: What it is and Why it Matters

Simply, put, executive function is the brain’s management system. A powerful visual metaphor for executive function is an orchestra conductor. Just like the conductor selects what music an orchestra will perform, as well as how it will be interpreted, who will play what and when, and at what tempo, executive functioning allows us to activate awareness, plan, set, goals, and get things done.

Students with strong executive functioning skills may have a more positive self-image and stronger beliefs that they are the managers of their learning. On the other hand, students with weaker executive functioning skills may have poor self-image and feel a sense of hopelessness in their ability to succeed academically.

In a nutshell, there are three main areas of executive function: working memory, cognitive flexibility (aka flexible thinking), and inhibitory control (includes self-control).

Executive function is responsible for several vital skills, including attention, prioritizing, task completion, keeping track of what one is doing, self-regulation (the ability to manage and organize thoughts and convert them into skills used for learning), emotional regulation, organization, planning, and the ability to understand different points of view

How do I Know if My Child Has Weak Executive Function Skills?

Ask Yourself These 10 Questions

1. Do you have difficulty getting started with tasks?
2. Do you have difficulty completing tasks, especially in a timely manner?
3. Do you struggle to manage your time?
4. Do you find it hard to organize your thoughts?
5. Do you struggle to follow directions?
6. Do you struggle to prioritize effectively?
7. Do you often forget what you just read or heard?
8. Do you feel anxious when routines change?
9. Do you struggle to switch from one task to another?
10. Do you fixate on things and feel overly emotional?

If this looks and sounds like ADHD, that’s because people with ADHD struggle with executive function.

Note: not all people with executive function issues have ADHD.

Ultimately, executive function issues can make it seem like people aren’t working hard or aren’t as smart. That is not the case. In fact, people who struggle with executive function issues may have to work significantly harder than others to achieve desired results.

Needless to say, executive functioning is critical for success at home, in school, and at work, and students can and should be taught how to develop executive functioning in order to promote self-directed learning and self-determined lives. Tune in next week for tips and strategies that help bolster executive functioning.

For additional questions about executive functioning and how to help your student, feel free to contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.