Executive functions and teaching problem solving: using instructional scaffolding in the framework of Universal Design
Read time: 10 minutes
Black text on white background infographic that says 'executive functions.'

Teaching problem solving in STEM fields can often result in instructors relying on students' innate executive functioning skills. Some students struggle with executive functions and testing students on executive functioning skills is probably not what you intend to test. Here, I describe executive functions and how to use instructional scaffolding in the framework of Universal Design to teach problem solving to all learners.