LSE312 Executive
Functions
2025
Ms. Dayimani
What are Executive functions?
Executive functions are high-level cognitive processes that enable
individuals to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage
multiple tasks successfully.
They are primarily controlled by the prefrontal cortex of the brain and
play a crucial role in daily life, learning, and social interactions.
Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes that help us manage
and regulate our thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals.
These functions are crucial for planning, decision-making, problem-solving,
and adapting to new situations.
Working Memory: The ability to hold and
manipulate information in your mind over short
periods. This is essential for tasks like following
instructions and solving problems.
Here are • Example: Remembering a phone number before dialing it.
the core Cognitive Flexibility: The capacity to switch
executive between different tasks or thoughts and adapt to
changing situations. This helps in multitasking
functions: and considering different perspectives.
• Example: Changing problem-solving approaches when one
method doesn’t work.
Inhibitory Control: The ability to control
impulses and resist distractions, allowing for
focused attention and self-regulation.
• Example: Not interrupting someone while they are
speaking.
Planning and Organization
• The ability to set goals, create steps to achieve them, and
organize materials or thoughts.
Higher-Order • Example: Preparing a schedule to study for multiple
exams.
Executive Task Initiation
Functions • The ability to begin a task without procrastination.
These build on • Example: Starting an assignment immediately instead of
delaying it.
the core functions Emotional Regulation
and include: • The ability to manage emotions in a way that facilitates
goal achievement.
• Example: Staying calm during a stressful exam.
Self-Monitoring (Metacognition)
• The ability to evaluate and reflect on one's performance
and make necessary adjustments.
• Example: Noticing mistakes in an essay and correcting
them.
• Age & Brain Development –
Executive functions mature throughout
childhood and adolescence.
Factors
• Genetics – Some cognitive abilities
Affecting are inherited.
Executive • Environment & Parenting –
Supportive learning environments
Function enhance executive function skills.
Developm • Stress & Mental Health – Anxiety,
ent depression, and trauma can impair
these abilities.
• Nutrition & Sleep – A healthy diet
and adequate sleep improve cognitive
control.
Importance of Executive
Functions in Different
Areas
✔ Education – Helps students
with problem-solving, focus,
and organization.
✔ Workplace – Enhances
productivity, decision-making,
and adaptability.
✔ Social Skills – Aids in
emotional regulation and
maintaining relationships.
✔ Mental Health – Poor
executive functioning is linked
to ADHD, anxiety, and other
disorders.
How to identify strong and weak executive
functions in students?
• 1. Organization & Planning
Strong Executive Functioning: Weak Executive Functioning:
✅ Keeps track of assignments, deadlines, ❌ Loses track of assignments and
and materials frequently forgets deadlines
✅ Breaks tasks into steps and follows a ❌ Struggles to break tasks into steps or
plan prioritize work
✅ Completes assignments on time and ❌ Frequently submits incomplete or late
manages workload effectively assignments
• 2. Working Memory
Strong Executive Functioning: Weak Executive Functioning:
✅ Remembers and follows multi-step ❌ Forgets instructions soon after hearing
instructions them
✅ Recalls key concepts from previous ❌ Struggles to retain and apply learned
lessons and applies them information
✅ Can hold and manipulate information in ❌ Has difficulty following multi-step
their mind (e.g., mental math) directions
• 3. Emotional Regulation
Strong Executive Functioning: Weak Executive Functioning:
✅ Manages frustration and disappointment ❌ Easily frustrated or overwhelmed by
effectively challenges
✅ Recovers quickly from setbacks and adapts ❌ Has difficulty calming down after an
to change upsetting situation
✅ Uses problem-solving strategies in ❌ Overreacts to minor issues or changes in
emotional situations routine
• 4. Impulse Control
Strong Executive Functioning: Weak Executive Functioning:
✅ Thinks before acting or speaking ❌ Interrupts frequently and struggles with
✅ Waits for their turn in class discussions and self-control
activities ❌ Acts without considering consequences
✅ Follows classroom rules and social norms ❌ Has difficulty staying seated or waiting for
their turn
• 5. Task Initiation & Motivation
Strong Executive Functioning: Weak Executive Functioning:
✅ Starts tasks independently without ❌ Struggles to start work without teacher
procrastination prompting
✅ Stays focused and engaged in assignments ❌ Frequently delays tasks or avoids
✅ Completes work efficiently without needing challenging assignments
constant reminders ❌ Gives up easily when faced with difficulties
• 6. Flexibility & Problem-Solving
Strong Executive Functioning: Weak Executive Functioning:
✅ Adapts to new situations and changes in ❌ Becomes anxious or frustrated when plans
routine change
✅ Adjusts strategies when faced with ❌ Struggles to shift between tasks or
obstacles subjects
✅ Accepts constructive feedback and learns ❌ Resists trying new approaches to problem-
from mistakes solving
How to Support
Students with Weak
Executive Functions
• Use visual aids: Checklists, planners, and
graphic organizers can help with organization
and task initiation.
• Break tasks into steps: Provide step-by-
step instructions and help students break
large tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
• Provide structure and routines: A
predictable classroom environment can
reduce anxiety and improve focus.
• Teach self-regulation strategies:
Mindfulness, deep breathing, and reflection
exercises can help with emotional control.
• Encourage self-monitoring: Help students
assess their progress and adjust their
approach as needed.
Strategies to Improve Executive
Functioning
Mindfulness & Breaking Tasks Using Timers &
Meditation – into Steps – Helps Reminders – Aids
Improves self- with organization time management
control and focus. and planning. and task initiation.
Encouraging Practicing Self-
Physical Activity – Reflection – Builds
Enhances brain self-monitoring and
function and problem-solving
cognitive flexibility. skills.
• Recent studies emphasize the role of
executive functions in academic
Recent achievement, emotional intelligence,
and workplace performance.
Research • Research indicates that interventions
on such as cognitive training, physical
exercise, and mindfulness practices
Executive significantly enhance executive functions
Functions (Diamond, 2022; Zelazo, 2021).
Additionally, the relationship between
(2020- executive functioning and mental
2024) health disorders continues to be
explored, with findings suggesting that
deficits in these skills are linked to ADHD,
depression, and anxiety (Best & Miller,
2023).
Conclusion…
• Executive functions are essential for
success in various aspects of life,
including education, work, and
personal development.
• By understanding these cognitive
processes and applying effective
strategies, individuals can enhance
their ability to plan, focus, and
regulate their actions effectively.
• They can be affected by various
factors, including neurological and
psychiatric conditions, but can also be
improved with practice and strategies
