EF 201: Understanding Executive Function

Welcome to Understanding Executive Function

Executive Function (EF) refers to the skills needed for the deliberate, goal-directed self-management of attention, thought, and action. These skills, which include cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control, develop rapidly during early childhood. They support school readiness and social-emotional competence. They are also foundational to learning and adaptation in a wide range of situations.

Key ideas:

This two (2) hour course will cover:

What is Executive Function (EF) and the kinds of tasks that depend on it.
Why EF matters for educators.
The science of EF and the brain, and how both develop as we grow.
How to measure EF in childhood and beyond.
Effective ways to support healthy EF development in the classroom.

You can choose to complete it in one or many sessions individually or as a group. Included in each module is a Reflect and Apply section to facilitate discussions. This course includes formative assessments after each module as well as a final assessment upon completion of all content. Get started by clicking on Module 1: What Does Executive Function Look Like? below!

Course Content

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Module 1: What Does Executive Function Look Like? 5 Topics

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Module Content

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Introduction to Executive Function

Example 1 – The Stroop Test

Example 2 – The Day/Night Task

The Tree of Success

Reflect and Apply – What Does Executive Function Look Like?

Module 2: Understanding Executive Function 5 Topics | 1 Quiz

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Defining Executive Function

Executive Function Skills

Cool and Hot Executive Function

Executive Function in Action

Reflect and Apply – Understanding Executive Function

Module 2 Quiz A: Understanding Executive Function

Module 3: Why Focus on Executive Function? 5 Topics | 1 Quiz

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School Can Be Distracting

Executive Function All Day Long

Executive Function and the Classroom

Executive Function and Achievement Outcomes

Reflect and Apply – Why Focus on Executive Function?

Module 3 Quiz A: Why Focus on Executive Function?

Module 4: Executive Function Development 5 Topics | 1 Quiz

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Executive Function and the Brain

Executive Function Development – Early Childhood

Executive Function Development – Middle Childhood through Adolescence

Stress and Its Effect on Executive Function

Reflect and Apply – Executive Function Development

Module 4 Quiz: Executive Function Development

Module 5: Measuring and Supporting Executive Function 5 Topics | 1 Quiz

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Why Measure Executive Function?

Strategies for Improving Executive Function

Using Videos to Teach Executive Function

Supporting Executive Function for ALL Students

Reflect and Apply – Measuring and Supporting Executive Function

Module 5 Quiz: Measuring and Supporting Executive Function

Understanding Executive Function Summative Quiz

Ratings and Reviews

4.9

Avg. Rating

17 Ratings

What's your experience? We'd love to know!

ebrown2

Posted 2 years ago

Increasing Executive Function

It is empowering and inspiring to know that we can help build preschool students' executive functioning skills that could affect them for the rest of their lives.

theresa.dalton

Posted 2 years ago

Executive function skills can be improved with practice!

The course was informative, well designed and kept my attention.

benita.taylor

Posted 2 years ago

Its Not too late to incorporate EF Skills!

I enjoyed learning about how EF works and the skills that can be used in the classroom to help children learn. I enjoyed learning about the EF skills I have or do not have as an adult. I am learning more about myself and why I do things the way I do them.

katherine.martin

Posted 3 years ago

Executive Function Promotes Learning

This was very informative. I think PD needs to be available to all of our educators.

janna.barnacastle

Posted 3 years ago

Informative

the videos were great. information was concise and easy to absorb.

kim.weeks

Posted 3 years ago

EF 201 Success!

I love that I can work at my own pace. The information is great and the videos make it that much better! A booklet would be most helpful for me because I like to take notes and highlight important topics.