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Executive functions: goal directedness, flexibility and meta-cognition

Dr Kate Payne (Educational Psychologist) introduce three components of executive functions: goal directedness, flexibility and meta-cognition. ‘Goal directedness’ is the capacity to achieve a goal without being distracted by competing interests. ‘Flexibility’ is the capacity to see many sides of an idea or situation and being able to change or adapt. ‘Meta-cognition’ is thinking about thinking. Some children or young people may have difficulty in one or more of these areas. Research tells us that providing young people with the knowledge of executive function skills and empowering them with a toolbox of strategies can be effective to support them in this area. Consequently, this video will provide foster carers, parents and school staff with activities and examples to be able to teach the child or young person in mind about goal directedness, flexibility and meta-cognition and provide a reflective space to consider strategies to support.