Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)
Published on: August 28, 2021
Math practice and its influence on math skills and executive functions in adolescents with mild to borderline
Brenda R J Jansen1, Eva De Lange, Mariët J Van der Molen
1Department of Psychology, Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. b.r.j.jansen@uva.nl
Abstract:
Adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID) often complete schooling without mastering basic math skills, even though basic math is essential for math-related challenges in everyday life. Limited attention to cognitive skills and low executive functioning (EF) may cause this delay. We aimed to improve math skills in an MBID-sample using computerized math training. Also, it was investigated whether EF and math performance were related and whether computerized math training had beneficial effects on EF. The sample consisted of a total of 58 adolescents (12-15 years) from special education. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or a treatment as usual (TAU) group. In the experimental condition, participants received 5 weeks of training. Math performance and EF were assessed before and after the training period. Math performance improved equally in both groups. However, frequently practicing participants improved more than participants in the control group. Visuo-spatial memory skills were positively related to addition and subtraction skills. Transfer effects from math training to EF were absent. It is concluded that math skills may increase if a reasonable effort in practicing math skills is made. The relation between visuo-spatial memory skills provides opportunities for improving math performance.
Related Concept Videos
Information Processing Approach
Intellectual Disability
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Binet's Contribution to Measures of Intelligence
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Language and Cognition

