Executive Function in Daily Life¶
This interactive workflow shows how a simple everyday task — making scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast — actually requires six different executive function skills working together. Click any stage in the workflow to see what the brain is doing at that step, then toggle Impact of Dementia mode to see how each skill can break down in a person living with dementia.
Learning Objective¶
Understand how executive function coordinates multiple cognitive processes to complete everyday tasks (Bloom Level 2 - Understand). Learners explain and identify the role of goal setting, planning, time management, working memory, flexible thinking, and self-monitoring.
- Bloom Level: Understand (L2)
- Bloom Verb: Explain, identify
- Library: Custom HTML/CSS/JavaScript
Interactive MicroSim¶
How to Use¶
- Click any of the six stage cards in the workflow to see a detailed description of what that executive function does.
- Click the Switch to Impact of Dementia button to see how each stage can be affected in a person with dementia.
- Scroll to the quiz at the bottom and answer all four questions correctly to trigger a celebration.
The Six Executive Functions¶
| Stage | Skill | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Goal Setting | Deciding what to do | "I want scrambled eggs and toast" |
| 2. Planning | Sequencing steps | Ingredients → pan → eggs → toast → plate |
| 3. Time Management | Parallel processing | Start toast first, then eggs |
| 4. Working Memory | Holding info active | Heat setting, egg count, butter location |
| 5. Flexible Thinking | Adapting | Out of butter → use spray |
| 6. Self-Monitoring | Error detection | Eggs cooking too fast → reduce heat |