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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

ME WANT MORE (BUT ME WAIT)

You know something is important when Cookie Monster gets in on the act! Cookie Monster is demonstrating the executive function of self-regulation and delayed gratification in this new video.   www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PnbKL3wuH4
                                        

Executive Function has been receiving a great deal of attention because it seems to be a bigger predictor of academic success and life success than IQ. It’s a trait that begins in infancy and continues to develop throughout childhood into adolescence. An interesting aspect of EF is that it tends to transfer from one situation to the next. A child who learns to self-regulate in the classroom will also find it easier to self-regulate on the soccer field. There are many facets to executive function, and it’s helpful to think of a child on a continuum, rather than having or lacking EF. Definitions of EF are broad and diverse, but these are some common characteristics of the executive function:

Inhibition – can think about consequences before acting

Self-regulation – can stop oneself from inappropriate behavior

Initiation – starts new tasks independently

Organization – can organize thoughts as well as materials

Planning – can think through steps and prioritize

Time Management – predicts how long things will take and works at an appropriate speed

Adaptability and Flexibility – is able to shift focus and adapt strategies

Working Memory – can keep information in one’s mind (aka teacher’s directions)


Multi-tasks – can deal with several things simultaneously

Self-awareness – chooses a level that is not too difficult or too easy - asks for help when necessary

Emotional Control – is aware of and can manage feelings

Personal Satisfaction – derives pleasure from reinforcers

Focus – can attend to details and avoid being distracted

Self-monitoring – can reflect on one’s work and evaluate personal performance

Delayed Gratification – resists immediate reward for a larger reward later

Does this sound like the “star student”? The student who can multi-task, works independently, gets along with others, follows directions, enjoys learning, obeys rules, etcetera, etcetera. It also sounds like the job description for “employee of the month.”

                                           
The reason I think teachers need to be familiar with the executive function is because it validates many of the things we have always done with children, such as centers, partner projects, open-ended activities, and so forth.  Come back tomorrow for some teacher tips on nurturing the executive function in your classroom.