Inhibition is the ability to suppress attention to irrelevant input and to focus on pertinent stimuli or information. Students use these skills to successfully pay attention to lessons and texts. By helping learners control both their focus and their behavior, Inhibition is a critical support for becoming successful readers and writers.

Inhibition begins to develop around age three to four. Inhibition occurs at two levels:

The behavioral level, where responses are controlled, and

The cognitive level, where attention is focused on relevant information.

However, it can be difficult to tease these apart since cognitive inhibition promotes behavioral inhibition.

Read the full annotated bibliography of our Inhibition research.

Executive Function: A paid microcredential to support students' executive functioning skills

Inhibition: A free microcredential to identify and support students' inhibition

Responsible Decision-Making: A free microcredential to support students' decision making skills