Personal profile
Personal information
I am an Associate Professor and Vice Dean of Education at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences. My research examines how students learn and develop across different educational contexts, with a particular interest in the role of executive functions—skills such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-regulation—in supporting learning and motivation.
In recent years, together with my colleagues, I have explored how the match between students and their study programs relates to academic success, what helps students persist in their first year of higher education, and how teacher–student interactions can strengthen learning processes in primary school. I also work on interdisciplinary projects that connect cognitive, motivational, and social perspectives on education.
In my role as Vice Dean of Education for my faculty, my focus is on fostering an educational culture that inspires both students and teachers. I believe in education that is evidence-informed, engaging, and inclusive, and that supports students in discovering and developing their talents. Strengthening the quality of teaching and creating space for innovation are central to this vision.
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Academic qualification
Developmental Psychology, PhD, Fractionation of executive function: A developmental approach., Universiteit van Amsterdam
Award Date: 17 Oct 2006
Developmental Psychology, Master, Universiteit van Amsterdam
Award Date: 5 Nov 1999
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Strengthening Executive Function and Self-Regulation Through Teacher-Student Interaction in Preschool and Primary School Children: A Systematic Review
Sankalaite, S., Huizinga, M., Dewandeleer, J., Xu, C., de Vries, N., Hens, E. & Baeyens, D., Aug 2021, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 12, August, p. 1-20 20 p., 718262.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
Editorial: Executive function and education
Huizinga, M., Baeyens, D. & Burack, J. A., 3 Aug 2018, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 9, AUGUST, p. 1-3 3 p., 1357.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Editorial › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
Neural substrates of the influence of emotional cues on cognitive control in risk-taking adolescents
Lee, N. C., Weeda, W. D., Insel, C., Somerville, L. H., Krabbendam, L. & Huizinga, M., 1 Jun 2018, In: Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. 31, p. 20-34 15 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
Heterogeneity in cognitive and socio-emotional functioning in adolescents with on-track and delayed school progression
Vandenbroucke, L., Weeda, W., Lee, N., Baeyens, D., Westfall, J., Figner, B. & Huizinga, M., 24 Aug 2018, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 9, AUGUST, p. 1-16 16 p., 1572.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
Age-related differences in the structure of executive function across childhood: evidence from behavioral ratings
Zhan, X., Weeda, W., Huizinga, M. & Baeyens, D., Jun 2026, In: Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. 266, 106470.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
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Predicting Learning in Special Education (Voorspellen van leren in Gespecialiseerd Onderwijs)
Root, B. V. (PhD candidate), Meeter, M. (Principal Investigator), Huizinga, M. (Project Researcher) & Bexkens, A. (Project Researcher)
1/11/22 → 1/11/26
Project: Research
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Wonder-full education and human flourishing; stimulating children's learning morality, and spirituality.
Schinkel, A. (Principal Investigator), Dobber, M. (Project Researcher), Huizinga, M. (Project Researcher), de Moor, M. (Project Researcher), Bertram-Troost, G. (Project Researcher), de Ruyter, D. (Project Researcher), Wolbert, L. (Project Researcher), van Gulick, H. (Project Researcher), Conijn, J. (Project Researcher), Rietdijk, W. (Project Researcher) & Broekhof, E. (Project Researcher)
1/12/17 → 1/09/20
Project: Research
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Spatial Reasoning in Early and Middle Childhood
Vander Heyden, K. M. (Speaker), Huizinga, M. (Speaker) & Jolles, J. J. (Speaker)
2015Activity: Lecture / Presentation › Academic
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Symposium moeilijk lerende kinderen in het passend onderwijs
Huizinga, M. (Organiser), Bexkens, A. (Organiser) & Graas, D. (Organiser)
9 Dec 2015Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Conference › Academic
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Gedrag in goede banen leiden: over de rol van executieve functies bij kinderen en jongeren
Huizinga, M. (Keynote speaker)
2015Activity: Lecture / Presentation › Academic
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Adolescent Risky Decision Making: Differential Strategies and Underlying Neural Substrates
Huizinga, M. (Speaker)
2015Activity: Lecture / Presentation › Academic
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Gedrag in goede banen leiden: over de rol van executieve functies bij kinderen en jongeren.
Huizinga, M. (Keynote speaker)
2015Activity: Lecture / Presentation › Academic
Prizes / Grants
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De opbrengst van onderzoekend leren (OL) voor kinderen met een speciale onderwijsbehoefte.
Raijmakers, M. (Recipient) & Huizinga, M. (Recipient), 28 Feb 2018
Prize / Grant: Prize › Academic