Teachers’ experiences and understanding of executive functions in Irish primary school classrooms: Findings from a mixed-methods questionnaire

Abstract

Executive functioning (EF) skills are crucial for young students to meet academic and social demands at school. EF skill development is particularly amenable to environmental influences in the early years. In classroom settings, teachers play a vital role in providing support to promote these skills. Research is limited regarding teachers’ understanding of EF domains and recognition of EF difficulties in students. Additionally, teachers’ experiences with managing neuropsychological reports that involve EF supports and interventions are unexamined. To assess levels of understanding and explore teachers’ experiences with EF and neuropsychological reports, an online questionnaire incorporating closed- and open-ended questions was developed. 106 primary school teachers in Ireland completed the questionnaire. Knowledge gaps for neuropsychological terminologies associated with EF were identified. Teachers recognised their role in supporting the promotion of executive skills, but issues with neuropsychological reports and resource limitations may restrict effective implementation of individualised supports and classroom-based interventions.

Keywords:

• executive function
• education
• neurodevelopment
• assessment
• teachers

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Teaching Council Ireland Research Support Framework. The authors would like to thank the teachers who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Teaching Council Ireland grant under the John Coolahan Research Support Framework.

Notes on contributors

Lisa Keenan

Lisa Keenan is a PhD candidate at the UCD School of Psychology. She has an MSc in Psychological Science and a BA (Hons) in Psychology.

Aisling O’Sullivan

Aisling O’Sullivan is a qualified primary school teacher in Co. Kildare, Ireland. In addition to her teaching qualification, she also has a BA (Hons) in Psychology.

Michelle Downes

Dr Michelle Downes is an assistant professor at the UCD School of Psychology. She has a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, an MSc in Paediatric Neuropsychology, and a BA (Hons) in Psychology.