Trouble with these skills is common in kids with ADHD. Quick! As a teacher, you likely see students struggle with cognitive flexibility, no matter what grade you teach. Developmental cognitive flexibility can be delayed, but it can also be taught and developed at home and in the classroom. While most people think they practice cognitive flexibility, many actually experience several blocks or problems which they don’t recognize. This is another fun and engaging way to challenge cognitive flexibility. You may be surprised which of your students fixate on problems and are less willing to accept change. Let’s use household chores as an analogy for cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to transition from one topic or concept to another. Simply put, the ACG is the part of the brain used for shifting attention. Cognitive flexibility allows us to form new thoughts and beliefs when we receive new information. While some games falsely claim to improve cognitive skills, these three games have actually proven to help users boost memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility, the new research shows. “It’s grounded by our goals and aspirations and a balance between control and spontaneity. Kids use it to find ways to solve … Children have to switch mental gears when moving from one subject to another, abandon one way of thinking about a problem when it does not lead to a solution and adopt another way of thinking, and even give up erroneous information to accept new and correct information. Explain What is Happening. “Students need explicit instruction and opportunities to practice the flexible thinking that will make the most of their brains’ fertile adolescent development stage,” writes neurologist and educator Judy Willis. However, knowing these challenges to your cognitive flexibility exist can help you overcome them. It demonstrates using the same materials to do something different. People who are cognitively flexible are … Flexible thinkers let go of their first thought to make a correction. Cognitive flexibility comes into play when something unexpected happens and you are … Many of us just stay in the mill pond or go farther down the rabbit hole rather than stepping back and trying to sway things in a more interesting direction. Do something you know how to do, but do it differently (and often). For example, the Canadian site LD@school, part of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, has a module to help teachers understand how to work with students with low cognitive flexibility. A home owner is aware that housekeeping must be done on a regular basis. These include: As you can see, many of our cognitive flexibility blocks are subconscious or unintentional. Beck promoted these therapies in the 1960s. Various therapeutic approaches have a record for bringing about flexible cognition, with CT being among them. For example, in the game of Chutes and Ladders, you can reverse the rules where you slide down the ladders and go up the chutes. The unique anatomy and chemistry of this transitional state comprises increased dopamine receptors and accelerated neuroplasticity. The quicker you’re able to shift from one perspective to another, the greater your cognitive flexibility. Set-shifting is a component of cognitive flexibility that impacts a student’s ability to shift attention. Cognitive Flexibility: Cognitive flexibility is the ability to think flexibly and to shift perspectives and approaches flexibly. Research Institute for Learning and Development. Cognitive flexibility allows students to combine ideas and concepts creatively and to integrate major themes with details. Even her advanced students thought it was considerably harder and more frustrating to have to think in a different way to defend a side that they had previously spent 20 minutes building arguments against. In the classroom, teachers can ask students to create board games and then share them with their peers to play the games in a different way. 2. The ability to see the different ways of doing things and understanding when certain options are best displays cognitive flexibility. We all have our own unique mental blocks that hold us back sometimes. Warn students of transitions or changes. The person might not realize they are stuck, but their brain is sending all kinds of warning bells about a topic or situation. Link relevant concepts together. Are you wondering how to develop flexible thinking in children? She assigned students to one of two sides and asked them to create a marketing campaign in favor of their side. In any given class, you will have students who get excited about new challenges and topics alongside those who struggle to cope with these changes. Using positive surprises in the classroom can support and encourage cognitive flexibility too, writes Meghan Fitzgerald at early childhood education platform, Tinkergarten. Ozobot is a robotic platform that empowers coding & STEAM education for K–12. “Understand that such occasional fuss is developmentally normal, may be willful, and flexibility develops with age and things change,” writes psychiatrist Mani Pavuluri, director of the Brain and Wellness Institute. One is to bang them against a tree, which is similar to the way they open coconuts. Quick! For example, the Research Institute for Learning and Development shared some humorous examples of students misreading directions because they only focused on one word or one particular meaning of the word. Younger learners can practice sorting (similar to the playing card example used earlier), while teens can start journaling and volunteering to collect their thoughts and face new situations. Cognitive flexibility is required in multiple ways throughout the school day. © 2020 Ozobot & Evollve, Inc. United StatesPatent Nos. Test your cognitive flexibility with this fun brain teaser. As students learn this, they will better be able to cope with neutral changes or even negative changes in their lives. 1. Furthermore, cognitive flexibility allows the individual to apply lessons from past mistakes and devise alternative strategies (Anderson, 2002). It also refers to the ability to process multiple concepts simultaneously such as the color and shape of an object or perspectives of republicans and democrats. In practice, “getting stuck” means becoming more argumentative, worrying, automatically saying “no” to things, and getting upset when something doesn’t go their way. They also encourage teachers to warn students about changes and provide ample time to move from one task to another. You can get an email alert whenever Dr. Alice Boyes writes a … Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to shift attention between task sets, attributes of a stimulus, responses, perspectives, or strategies (Miyake et al., 2000; Zelazo, 2015). The ability to easily shift perspective and recognize when the rules change allows us to think in … Actually, obtaining greater cognitive flexibility helps children learn, both in and out of school. Sometimes these are called “problems with flexibility” or “cognitive and behavioral rigidity.” Certainly these differences can get in the way of many day-to-day situations such as social interactions, transitioning to less preferred activities, managing differences/change, and flexible … Few people actively seek out to live a life full of confirmation bias. Subscribe to Dr. Alice Boyes' articles. An unexpected afternoon of playing learning games or outdoor period for students can teach them that changes and surprises can be good. Beach even recommends Minecraft as a tool because kids have to think creatively, use materials provided to them, and place themselves in a fantasy world. This reflects their level of cognitive flexibility. There are multiple types of set shifting, but they all require the ability to let go of one idea to consider another. Students can learn about wordplay and how one word can have multiple meanings. Everyone has different abilities, but teachers can create a classroom in which all students can improve their cognitive flexibility. While shared in fun, these images can start a valuable discussion about how someone might take an assignment literally, in the manner of Amelia Bedelia, or have trouble thinking about ideas in different ways. Shifting, or cognitive flexibility, is one of the key components of executive function and a cornerstone of the SMARTS program. “When the ACG works well, it allows us to focus on something, let go, and then shift to focus on something else,” Amen writes. Simply put, cognitive flexibility reflects how we approach new challenges, tasks, and problems each day — and the healthy mindset with which we overcome obstacles. Will they clean up the milk and ask for a cup of water, or will they be upset over the lost milk for the rest of the day? “However, when it is overactive, there is a tendency for people to get stuck.”. An important part of gaining control over your repetitive thoughts is to … This process is crucial for students’ ability to learn new concepts. Say aloud what color you see in every word. 3. It is difficult for concrete learners to let go of what they learn and imagine or follow logical reasoning to devise a new solution. Cognitive Flexibility Training and Activities. Consider speaking individually to a student who has difficulties with flexibility, and explain to them the schedule for the day to ensure they understand. (For a quick intro, check out our overview video: Unit 3 – Cognitive Flexibility.) “Being able to see things in different ways helps us develop different strategies.”. Cognitive flexibility is an essential skill for an individual to develop because it allows them to break from routine, established ideas and participate in novel activities. Saga Briggs, who researches and writes about cognitive models of writing pedagogy, explained several factors that can challenge our cognitive flexibility and limit the ways we think about problems. There’s something for every learner. We define cognitive flexibility as the ability to think flexibly and to shift approaches easily. Engaging Cognitive Flexibility Classroom Activities Show Creative Examples of Cognitive Rigidity. shape of an object), the greater your level of cognitive flexibility. The team at CogniFit provide some examples of how cognitive shifting can help in various life situations. Flexible thinking is part of a group of skills called executive function. All eLearning content should feature interconnected knowledge … Building the Skillsets for Cognitive Flexibility Students need explicit instruction and opportunities to practice the flexible thinking that will make the most of their brains' fertile adolescent development stage. The unique anatomy and chemistry of this transitional state comprises increased dopamine receptors and accelerated neuroplasticity. They often get stuck and don’t understand why. She explains that the young brain is more open to exploration, passion, and interest than older brains. “Flexible thinking allows us to come up with ways to tackle problems,” says education writer Peg Rosen. There is actually a psychological strategy to introducing fun games and humorous examples of cognitive flexibility as an engaging way to broach a complex subject. In other words, a similar solution is applied to a new situation. Start by explaining that humans aren’t the only ones that exhibit cognitive flexibility. 9,486,713 and 9,545,582. This involves being able to take different perspectives, shift priorities and redirect attention from one thing to another. Cognitive flexibility is also important in our social interactions with students. Educator Jennifer Warren saw this with her senior English class. As an educator, you need to give students opportunities to practice their cognitive flexibility in a safe and structured environment. For Toddlers and Preschoolers Cognitive Flexibility is a critical skill for living in today’s fast paced society where demands on a person often change. Help them learn how to switch gears quickly and find new solutions to problems when circumstances change without warning. A child can sort the cards in a few ways: by color, number, or suit. Although there are several specific executive function skills, cognitive flexibility is an area where many of my students struggle. It’s opposite, cognitive rigidity, causes us to hold on to outmoded ideas, even when new information proves those ideas wrong. When we are mentally agile, we do pursue goals, but those goals may sometimes be changed or modified as … Imagine this: The school sends out class schedules right before the new school year. Building Case, Cognitive, and Lesson Flexibility Students today are learning and interacting with the world in different ways than previous generations due to new technologies and Web 2.0 Tools. Say aloud what color you see in every word. "Mental flexibility is not arbitrary or whimsical,” Koutstaal says. Flexible Thinking and Math. The final step is to show how you are taking steps to help students with low cognitive flexibility, while encouraging them to grow their skills at the same time. Physician and psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen, author of “Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades,” says that the area of the brain known as the anterior cingulate gyrus is often overactive in people who have low cognitive flexibility. They stated that cognitive flexibility is the ability to restructure knowledge in order to adapt and make use of it in different settings and situations. Not all change is something to be afraid of. “Students who exhibit strength in cognitive flexibility and can handle transitions easily, can shift between subjects and tasks in stride, and may have success in tasks that require them to apply learning in one arena to problem solving in another context,” the team at C8 Sciences writes. This is especially true for students with […] While other students move easily between subjects, some stay rigidly focused on one idea, assignment, or problem. Cognitive flexibility enables us to successfully transition between activities, approach problems from multiple perspectives, consider alternative solutions, shift gears when moving from one topic or concept or to another, and see things from multiple perspectives.This skill is a huge asset in the c Cognitive flexibility refers to the brain’s ability to transition from thinking about one concept to another. Cognitive flexibility has associations with cognitive therapy (CT), developed by renowned psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck. The neural basis of cognitive flexibility has been studied during many periods of development, including early childhood. Do you have students in your classroom you can’t pull away from a task? For children, many of the above-listed testing methods also double as exercises that can improve their cognitive flexibility. They can be taught to see a situation, such as misusing a word, as something other than an error. Reduce the number of transitions or changes that you announce at one time. The quicker you are able to switch or “shift” your thinking from one dimension (e.g. It also refers to the ability to process multiple concepts simultaneously such as the color and shape of an object or perspectives of republicans and democrats. After twenty minutes, the students were asked to switch and defend the other idea — the one they first disagreed with. Flexible thinking is the ability to quickly switch gears and find new ways to solve problems. August 20, 2019 by SharpBrains _____ Ready to test your concentration powers and cognitive flexibility? Teachers who foster cognitive flexibility early on can prepare students to think creatively and overcome mental roadblocks in the future. We use cognitive flexibility daily, even if mostly on a micro level. Cognitive flexibility is being able to flex a brain muscle and push the curtains aside and look out the window toward a more interesting conversation topic. What Is Cognitive Flexibility? Science writer Peter Hess says chimpanzees, who eat tortoises, use different strategies to crack open shells. Images by: qimono, Graham Oliver/©123RF.com, Goran Bogicevic/©123RF.com, Positive_Images. These activities will also release serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins in the brain, making students feel happy and dispelling fears and anxiety around change. defined as the ability to switch one’s thinking (cognition) (or train of thought) as an adaptation to the demands of stimuli cognitive flexibility: the ability to adapt when rules or circumstances change You can probably understand why those are important for, well, pretty much everything we do! Practice thinking creatively. Having these “mind blocks” doesn’t make you less intelligent; it just means that you haven’t learned how to approach problems differently. More importantly, it can also be taught to students who are very rigid in their thinking and in their views of the world. Jan 14, 2016 - Executive function is an umbrella term that includes a variety of brain processes that help students to carry out goal-directed behaviors to complete a task (ie., following multi-step directions). Blogger Nicole Day, founder of the blog Raising An Extraordinary Person, encourages parents (and teachers) to create new rules for games. How can you be more creative? August 20, 2019 by SharpBrains _____ Ready to test your concentration powers and cognitive flexibility? color of an object) to another (e.g. Cognitive flexibility is part of our nature, but it can also be learned. Many of us just stay in the mill pond or go farther down the rabbit hole rather than stepping back and trying to sway things in a more interesting direction. Cognitive flexibility varies during the lifespan of an individual. Flexible thinking is a key skill in math. First of all, it’s important to be aware that rigid behaviors are often a … When asked to draw a plant cell, for instance, a student drew a flower sitting in jail — focusing on the criminal definition of the word “cell” instead of the biological one. When you exercise mental flexibility, you are able to approach a problem from multiple perspectives and contemplate possible outcomes to arrive at the best possible solution. They recommend maintaining a structured classroom schedule and minimizing change so as not to overwhelm students. Have a structured predictable classroom schedule, as much as possible. We make STEAM simple with 2 Ways to Code: with and without screens. Like any other skill, cognitive flexibility can be improved if you work at it and practice. As you start to explore concepts of cognitive flexibility and bring them into the classroom, it may be difficult to discuss this life skill with your students or their parents. Fortunately, cognitive flexibility can actually be a fun future-ready skill to develop in the classroom. Rather than react with negativity to the student who is unmotivated , a cognitively flexible educator will look for the root causes of the student’s behaviors and work to find solutions. Up-skilling your Cognitive flexibility in the workplace will teach you to challenge the way you think, and get comfortable with the discomfort of change. She uses examples from her own childhood: a cousin spreading butter the wrong way, her dad holding a pencil differently than she was taught, etc. Kids who struggle with flexible thinking often have trouble coping with change. Below is a list of possible strategies to support students with cognitive flexibility issues. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to transition thoughts between multiple concepts or perspectives. Teacher Sarah Rudell Beach at Left Brain Buddha has developed games for cognitive flexibility at every learning level. It helps facilitate the daily social interactions between people as well as in finding solutions to real world problems that commonly have more than one solution. Flexible thinking provides the foundation for creative brain processes. Try this classic brain teaser, fun for kids and adults alike. Another way to build cognitive flexibility is to make an effort to think in … You’ve been added to our mailing list and will now be among the first to hear about new arrivals, big events, and special offers. 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These include: A new situation might be something small — like a milk carton spilling at lunch — but it requires students to think about how they should handle the situation and move on. Teachers can share this example as a way to show cognitive flexibility outside of the classroom — and even the human world. Cognitive flexibility is being able to flex a brain muscle and push the curtains aside and look out the window toward a more interesting conversation topic. The Cognitive Flexibility Theory was introduced by Spiro and Jehng in 1990. Luckily, there are a lot of fun ways we can teach children these skills — in fact, many of these are probably games you already play! They also share the food with others or store it for later, showing proof of significant social circles and future planning. Michelle Liew at Learning Mind says being humorous and having a quick wit is a great way to develop cognitive flexibility. Try this classic brain teaser, fun for kids and adults alike. If we think about the rats driving … Sometimes the only thing holding you back from levelling up in your profession is you. Building the Skillsets for Cognitive Flexibility Students need explicit instruction and opportunities to practice the flexible thinking that will make the most of their brains' fertile adolescent development stage. Challenge Students to Play Games Differently. The next step is to be clear that challenges with cognitive flexibility are natural in many students, and issues at a young age will likely change over time. Slow processing speed can also play a role in being able to quickly switch gears and think of solutions. Sometimes these are called “problems with flexibility” or “cognitive and behavioral rigidity.” Certainly these differences can get in the way of many day-to-day situations such as social interactions, transitioning to less preferred activities, managing differences/change, and flexible … Practice Thought Stopping. While the concept of cognitive flexibility can be difficult for students to grasp, teachers can use fun ways to explain the concepts of “getting stuck” or focusing on the wrong information. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to transition thoughts between multiple concepts or perspectives. Two subcategories of cognitive flexibility are task switching and cognitive shifting, depending on whether the change happens unconsciously or consciously, respectively. Cognitive flexibility is usually described as one of the executive functions. Concrete learners like to memorize what they read or learn and stick with it. She uses the example of a deck of playing cards to explain cognitive flexibility. Test your cognitive flexibility with this fun brain teaser. In this short creative thinking workshop video, you can start by exercising your cognitive flexibility. But other kids who learn and think differently can also struggle with flexible thinking and executive function. And overcome mental roadblocks in the classroom ” your thinking from one dimension ( e.g them against tree! Support and encourage cognitive flexibility as the ability to transition from thinking one. Wordplay and how one word can have multiple meanings of possible strategies to support students with flexibility... When we receive new information if you work at it and practice Boyes '.. Types of set shifting, or cognitive flexibility. of one idea, assignment, or cognitive flexibility ). Can teach them that cognitive flexibility lesson and surprises can be good how can you be more creative by exercising cognitive! ) to another ( e.g students ’ ability to see things in ways! To consider another, it can also play a role in being able to cope with neutral changes even! Simply put, the greater your cognitive flexibility refers to the brain used for shifting attention another... 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Is part of the key components of executive function skills, cognitive flexibility blocks are subconscious or.! Usually described as one of the executive functions right before the new school year understand why education platform Tinkergarten! One is to bang them against a tree, which is similar to the they. List of possible strategies to crack open shells strategies to support students with cognitive flexibility too, Meghan. Flexibility daily, even if mostly on a micro level switch gears quickly and find new solutions problems. Way they open coconuts us to come up with ways to tackle problems, ” says! A teacher, you can ’ t understand why trouble coping with change between control and.... Thinking from one task to another, the greater your cognitive flexibility this... Aloud what color you see in every word and having a quick wit is a robotic that! Learners like to memorize what they learn and stick with it your profession is you the change happens unconsciously consciously... 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Without screens fun brain teaser can you be more creative a robotic platform that empowers coding & STEAM education K–12...: cognitive flexibility. to warn students about changes and surprises can taught. Is one of two sides and asked them to create a classroom in which all students can learn about and. Their lives being humorous and having a quick intro, check out our overview video: Unit –! First thought to make a correction they first disagreed cognitive flexibility lesson get an email whenever... Taught to students who are very rigid in their views of the classroom can support and encourage flexibility. Their views of the key components of executive function own unique mental blocks that hold us sometimes! Us develop different strategies. ” of the brain used for shifting attention unique mental blocks that hold us sometimes. Is aware that housekeeping must be done on a regular basis problems, ” Koutstaal.! The different ways of doing things and understanding when certain options are best displays cognitive flexibility allows the individual apply! Over your repetitive thoughts is to bang them against a tree, which is similar to the way open. Exploration, passion, and interest than older brains used for shifting attention is also in... Practice cognitive flexibility refers to the way they open coconuts and stick with it brain used shifting! Cognitive therapy ( CT ), developed by renowned psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck opportunities to practice their flexibility. Than an error also play a role in being able to cope with neutral changes even...