Understanding Executive Functioning: A Key to Success in School

2/28/2025

Executive functioning refers to the mental processes that help us manage tasks and goals. These skills include working memory, self-control, and flexible thinking. They guide how we plan, focus, and complete daily activities. For students, strong executive functioning can improve learning, behavior, and problem-solving.

How Executive Functioning Works

Executive functioning is like a mental system that organizes the brain. It acts as our executive secretary, helping us to keep track of tasks and completing them. It relies on three key areas of regulating oneself: regulating our emotions, behavior, and cognition (how we think).

Emotional regulation includes managing our intense emotions when we feel them. When a difficult test or an unexpected pop quiz makes us feel frustrated, how do we work through that frustration? Do we let our feelings overcome us and become overly anxious? Or, do we use healthy coping strategies to manage our frustrations and do our best?

Similarly, emotional regulation includes cognitive flexibility, or our ability to think flexibly about situations. Can we adapt to our changing surroundings or problem solve through difficult situations? Cognitive flexibility is incredibly important in becoming a successful student.

Behavioral regulation includes our ability to put on the breaks and stop and think about our own actions. Regulating our behavior means we are managing our impulses, paying attention in the moment to what is important, and filtering out distractions. It also includes our ability to self-monitor or understand how our own behavior impacts others and also how our own behavior impacts ourselves. If we study for a test for several weeks in advance, that helps us to potentially get a good grade on that test. If we forget to turn in an assignment, and don’t take accountability for that mistake, how does that impact the way our teachers view us? Or the way we view our own success in the classroom?

Finally, executive functioning includes cognitive regulation, or our ability to regulate our thinking. This includes working memory, which is a skill that helps us hold and use information in the moment. This is a skill that is required for good classroom learning. Cognitive regulation also includes skills such as initiating tasks, completing tasks, planning and organizing, setting goals, and keeping track of our materials.

Take a look at these examples in which students encounter ways to use their executive functioning skills: a student uses working memory to remember instructions while solving a math problem that requires several steps. Cognitive flexibility helps a student adjust when a project suddenly changes. Impulse control helps a student resist distraction during study time.

Research Behind Executive Functioning

Research shows these skills develop from childhood into early adulthood. Additionally, studies highlight the role of the brain’s prefrontal cortex in executive functioning. Scientists have linked stronger executive functioning with better grades, social skills, and self-confidence. Challenges in this area can result in struggles with attention, organization, or emotional control.

Experts agree that while some students may have natural strengths, all students can build these skills through practice and support.

Executive Functioning Strategies for School Success

Parents and educators can support students by teaching strategies for each area of executive functioning. Here are practical ideas:

1. Working Memory

Break tasks into small steps to avoid overwhelm.

Use visual aids like charts or checklists for reminders.

Teach students to repeat instructions out loud to improve recall.

2. Cognitive Flexibility

Introduce problem-solving games or puzzles.

Encourage discussions about different solutions to a problem.

Practice handling small changes in routines, like taking a new route to school.

3. Inhibitory Control

Create routines to help students stay focused.

Use timers for breaks to maintain a balance between work and rest.

Teach mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, to manage impulses.

Why Executive Functioning Matters in School

Strong executive functioning allows students to organize homework, manage schedules, and complete assignments on time. It improves their ability to follow instructions, participate in group projects, and stay motivated. These skills are crucial for building independence and confidence in academics and life.

Executive functioning is essential for student success. By building memory, flexibility, and control skills, students can handle challenges more effectively. Parents and educators play a key role in guiding this growth. With consistent strategies and support, every student can strengthen their executive functioning and thrive in school.

For more information about executive functioning and how you can help improve these skills for your student: