Executive Function and Learning Insights.

Explore research, strategies, and ideas that connect executive function to learning success.

Discussions About Self-Control: Building Better Classroom Environments Through Executive Function Instruction

Engaging in meaningful discussions about self-control is a powerful way for high school teachers to help students build stronger executive function skills and create more positive learning environments. As educators committed to executive function instruction, we recognize that teaching executive function skills such as self-control is essential to student success, (...)

Using Student Talk to Improve Flexible Thinking in Middle School

Encouraging student talk to improve flexible thinking can be one of the most powerful ways to strengthen executive function skills in your classroom. Middle schoolers in grades 5–8 are at a crucial stage in their development, both academically and socially, and flexibility is one of the key executive function skills (...)

Taking Initiative: Encouraging High School Students to Start Tasks with Confidence

Taking initiative is a foundational executive function skill that can transform a student’s academic experience. For high school teachers, fostering this skill through thoughtful conversation and structured executive function instruction is one of the most powerful ways to improve student performance, reduce procrastination, and increase student engagement. When students learn (...)

Improve Working Memory in Elementary Classrooms Through Student Talk and Reflection

If you’re looking for ways to improve working memory in your elementary classroom, one of the most powerful and accessible strategies is encouraging student talk. Executive function instruction isn’t just about teaching strategies—it’s about giving students the tools and confidence to think about their own thinking. When students discuss their (...)

Emotional Control Discussions: Encouraging Student Talk to Strengthen Executive Function Skills in Grades 5–8

An emotional control discussion is one of the most powerful tools middle school teachers can use to build student self-awareness and teach critical executive function skills. By creating space for open conversations about how emotions impact learning and behavior, we empower students to reflect, support one another, and build habits (...)

Discussing Flexibility: Student Talk to Build Flexible Thinking Skills in Grades 1–4

Discussing flexibility is one of the most powerful ways elementary teachers can help young students build essential executive function skills. As part of executive function instruction, teaching flexibility helps students develop the ability to shift their thinking, adapt to new situations, and problem-solve when things don’t go as expected. When (...)

How to Improve Organizational Skills Through Student Talk in High School Classrooms

If you’re looking for ways to improve organizational skills in your high school students, the key may lie in giving them the space to talk. Helping students articulate their thinking and habits is one of the most effective ways to develop their executive function skills, particularly in the area of (...)

Engaging Middle School Students in Self-Reflection Discussions to Build Self-Monitoring Skills

Self-reflection discussions are a powerful tool for teaching executive function skills, especially self-monitoring, to middle school students. These discussions not only help students develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts and actions but also encourage them to consider how their choices affect others and their own academic success. Middle school, (...)

Encouraging Student Talk to Support the Regulation of Emotions in Elementary Classrooms

Helping students with the regulation of emotions is a critical part of executive function instruction in the elementary classroom. Regulation of emotions not only helps students manage their own feelings but also empowers them to navigate social situations, improve academic performance, and build stronger relationships. By incorporating student talk into (...)

Using Classroom Discussion in High School to Teach Students Planning Skills

Classroom discussion is a powerful tool for teaching executive function skills, particularly planning. When students engage in meaningful conversations about time management, goal setting, and habits, they develop essential executive function strategies that improve academic performance and prepare them for life beyond high school. This blog post provides teachers with (...)