Executive Functioning: A Guide for Teachers and Parents on How to Support Students Struggling with Their Executive Functions

What is executive functioning? How does it affect learning?

Executive functions (EFs) are a group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities required to organize thoughts and activities, prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, make decisions and regulate our behaviour and emotions. They do not reach maturity until an individual is well into their 20s, and so teachers and educators have enormous potential to help pupils hone those skills so that they are better equipped for the process of learning.

But what do you do if it’s impaired?

This guide includes a step-by-step approach to improving executive functioning within the classroom and beyond. It will provide effective strategies to use in daily life, and show teachers how to enhance awareness in the classroom, as well as giving students activities to do, to develop their own skills.

Zoe Beezer runs her own business in educational consultancy and assessment; she carries out SpLD assessments, advises parents and advocates for them, provides training services, as well as offering tutoring and coaching. Prior to this she was the Assistant Head of Inclusion and Well-being at an independent secondary school; a role which included leadership of the learning support department and SENDCo of the school.