Executive Function
Executive Function (EF) is found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that consists of working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.
(Carlson & Zelazo, 2023; Perone et al., 2018; Zelazo et al., 2016)
Working Memory - consists of planning, problem-solving, organization, task initiation, and time management.
Inhibitory Control - consists of self-regulation, focus and self-control, task completion, task initiation, and time management.
Cognitive Flexibility - consists of task switching, perspective taking, and time management.
Executive Function Brain Structures
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) activates with the working memory while the dorsolateral PFC makes reciprocal connections with the posterior parietal cortex and superior temporal sulcus, determining behaviour and movement. The premotor cortex then receives and sends the information to the body (Kolb et al., 2019).
Inhibitory control activates the parietal network as it is involved with moment-to-moment control, while the cingulo-opercular (including dorsal anterior cingulate/medial superior frontal cortex and thalamus) is involved in longer term control.
Cognitive flexibility activates the lateral PFC, anterior cingulate, left premotor cortex and inferior parietal cortex (Perone et al., 2018).
EF processes also require activation of the ventromedial regions of the PFC, including orbitofrontal cortex, the rostrolateral region, and subcortical structures like the basal ganglia (Perone et al., 2018; Zelazo et al., 2016). Dopamine and norepinephrine signal engagement of the PFC, feeding back to the limbic system and brainstem (Kolb et al., 2019; Zelazo et al., 2016).
Resources
Harvard Centre for the Developing Child
To find key concepts go to: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/
For activity resources, go to: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resourcetag/executive-function/
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References
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Biesta, G. J. J. (2014). On the weakness in education. In The Beautiful Risk of Education (1st ed., pp. 1–9). Paradigm.
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Carlson, M., & Zelazo, D. (2023). Reflection, executive function, and the developing brain [Keynote Address]. Learning and the Brain, San Francisco, California, United States of America.
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Executive Function & Self-Regulation. (2020, March 24). Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/
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Kolb, B., Whishaw, I. Q., & Teskey, C. G. (2019). An introduction to brain and behavior (Sixth). Worth Publishers.
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Perone, S., Almy, B., & Zelazo, P. (2018). Toward an understanding of the neural basis of executive function development. In The Neurobiology of Brain and Behavioral Development (pp. 291–314). Academic Press.
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Zelazo, P. D., Blair, C., & Willoughby, M. T. (2016). Executive function: Implications for education. NCER 2017-2000. National Center for Education Research. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED570880.pdf