Australia’s national education evidence body

Executive function and self-regulation practice guide

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3 minute read

Executive function refers to the ability to control our attention, remember instructions, manage emotional reactions and behaviours and organise our thinking. Self-regulation is when learners use these skills to control their behaviour.

Key practices include:

  • Establish clear goals, expectations and guidelines for behaviour.
  • Provide opportunities for self-regulation by taking an active role in facilitating play. 
  • Seek opportunities to build executive function and self-regulation within the learning program. 
  • Be a learner yourself. 

This guide is part of the Tried and Tested series, covering practices that have been proven to make a positive impact on learning and development. 

Publication date
30 September 2022
Last updated
30 September 2022
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