Mariëtte Huizinga

I am trained as a developmental psychologist, with a focus on experimental (neuro-)psychology. I am associate professor at the 'LEARN!' Institute (Department of Educational Science), at the VU University of Amsterdam. 

The main focus of my research is on the development of executive functions, between childhood and young-adulthood. Executive functions are brain processes allowing someone to show goal-directed behavior, by flexibly adjusting to the changing circumstances in the environment. In doing so, we are, for example, able to show up on time, suppress outbursts for little reason, plan homework, or come up with alternative solutions. 

Together with Dr. Diana Smidts, I developed the Dutch adaptation of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) for children between ages 5 and 18. In addition, we co-authored a book on the development of executive function for the general audience: 'Gedrag in uitvoering'. 

My research interests include self- and emotion regulation, peer influence, working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, complex task performance, strategy application, risk-taking behavior, social development - in relation to school performance.

I am Director of Education of the Bachelor Program at the Department of Family and Educational Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

 In the academic year 2018-2019, I teach in the following courses:

• Inleiding in de Pedagogiek (B1; in Dutch)
• Leerling, Onderwijs en Begeleiding (B1; in Dutch)
• Mind, Brain and Education (B3 and Research Master)

I coordinate of (and teach in) the course 'Passend Onderwijs' (B3)

Finally, I supervise several clinical internships and master's theses.

• Commissariaat voor de Media | Hilversum | Adviseur | 2012-12-01 - present
• Commissariaat voor de Media | Hilversum | Adviseur | 2016-12-01 - present
• Kinderpsy Educatie | Hilversum | Directeur/eigenaar | 2017-04-01 - present

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