Development of Inhibitory Control in Preschool: Teachers' Perceptions of an Executive Functions Program

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/innoacad.v2i1.69

Keywords:

Executive functions, inhibitory control, preschool education.

Abstract

This study analyzes the development of inhibitory control in preschool children through teachers' perceptions of the implementation of an executive functions program. A qualitative research was conducted with 45 four-year-old children from the educational institution "Kindergym Texcoco," applying a program designed to strengthen executive functions. The methodology was based on Grounded Theory to analyze teachers' testimonies about observed changes in children's inhibitory control. The results show significant improvements in students' ability to maintain attention, follow instructions, and control their impulses, identifying categories such as tolerance, listening, distraction, and motivation. Teachers' perceptions confirm that structured interventions in executive functions during early childhood enhance the development of inhibitory control.

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Author Biographies

Juana Esther Medina Hernández, Personal

Estudiante de doctorado en Educación en la Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (UNINI México).

Dra. Dina Elizabeth Cortes Coss, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (UNINI México)

Here's the translation to English:

Dr. Dina Elizabeth Cortes Coss serves as a Research Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (FIME) of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) since 2020. She held the position of Administrative Head of Volunteerism (2020–2021), serves as Coordinator of Inclusive Strategies (2021–present), and is a tutor for the ITS academic program. At the institutional level, she has participated in the management and obtainment of key certifications, including the Health Distinction (Ministry of Health of Nuevo León, 2018–present), ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System, and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, both granted by TÜV SÜD México (2022–present).

She began her academic training at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of UANL, where she obtained the degrees of Bachelor in Applied Linguistics with emphasis in Language Didactics (2003–2007), Master in Higher Education with concentration in Language and Literature (2010–2012), and Doctor of Philosophy with emphasis in Cultural Studies (2014–2018).

She is certified by CERTIDEMS in Competencies, by EC07 Standard of Competencies in Course Delivery, and by UANL in Teaching Competencies for Upper Secondary Education. Additionally, she has completed various specialized diploma programs, including: Basic Training for Tutors; Gender Equality and Equity Policy in Higher Education; Education for Peace and Human Rights; Employability Skills, Human Rights Culture, and Health Protection; University Tutor Training, Training of Academic Evaluators, Emotional Management, Educational Inclusion, and a permanent diploma in Stress Management. She holds English language certifications such as Mexican British Council and Pipplet for cultural relations.

Her commitment to research and inclusion has led her to join various councils and academic networks. She was a Member of the Young Council for Citizen Participation in the Disability and Social Integration category (Government of Nuevo León, 2011–2013) and Member of the Council for Vulnerable Groups (2012). She directed the International Competition on Social, Scientific, and Technological Responsibility (2017-2019), in addition to being part of the organizing committee of the International Congress on Inclusive Education. She is a member of the University Academy for Sustainable Development (2017–present), the National Network for Research in Education, Cognitive, and Behavioral Sciences (RENICECC) (2024–present), and the National System of Researchers (SNI) Level I, under the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (SECIHTI). She also serves as thesis director at Universidad Iberoamericana (2020–present) and as a project evaluator at STEM fairs, promoting science, technology, and innovation in academic environments.

She has collaborated in the curriculum design and updating at FIME. At the undergraduate level, she teaches the subjects: British Culture, Gender Equality, Sexual Diversity and Inclusion, Software Project Management, Research Internship, Industry Internship, and Social Service (theory); likewise, she participates in the master's degree program in Logistics and Supply Chain.

She participated in the updating of the Systems Administrator Engineer (IAS) curriculum and in the redesign of the Software Technology Engineering (ITS) program, in addition to contributing to its reaccreditation before national and international organizations such as CACEI, CIEES, ABET, and EUR-ACE (ENAEE).

Her trajectory includes directing and co-directing undergraduate and graduate theses, providing PROVERICYT and internship tutoring (2020–present), as well as participating as a speaker at national and international conferences.

She has published more than twenty articles in engineering and technology, fourteen book chapters, and is the author of five books. Additionally, she has contributed to more than eight technical reports applied to industry and civil and public charity associations. She holds the desirable PRODEP profile and is part of SECIHTI's SNI. She held the position of president of the RotaryE-Club Fusión Latina (2024-2025) and has received various awards such as: Rotary Paul Harris Award, Venera Medal for outstanding UANL student, Outstanding Professional of Society, Award for Civic Valor, State Youth Award in the Disability and Social Integration category, Family Volunteerism Award, Honoris Causa Citizen, and Medal for Social Merit.

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Published

2026-01-30

How to Cite

Medina Hernández, J. E., & Cortes Coss, D. E. (2026). Development of Inhibitory Control in Preschool: Teachers’ Perceptions of an Executive Functions Program. INNOVACADEMIA, 2(1), 48–66. https://doi.org/10.29105/innoacad.v2i1.69