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Cognitive Labby Educator Today

Domain D6

Executive Functions

What does it take to plan, resist distraction and switch between ideas?

The core executive functions — inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility — how they develop, and what that means for classroom routines.

Key claims in this domain

  • Established finding

    Executive functions are related but separable abilities, commonly described as inhibition, updating (working memory) and shifting.

    Miyake et al., 2000Diamond, 2013

  • Interpretation

    Executive functions continue developing through childhood and adolescence, which may inform expectations for self-regulation at different ages.

    Diamond, 2013

Modules

  • The three core executive functionsInhibition, updating and shifting — in plain terms.Planned
  • Self-regulation routinesClassroom structures that reduce unnecessary executive demand.Planned
  • Planning and goal-settingHelping students break work into steps they can manage.Planned
  • MetacognitionThinking about one’s own learning, and teaching it explicitly.Planned
  • Training transfer claimsWhat brain-training and “far transfer” evidence actually shows.Planned