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Testing the Efficacy of Training Basic Numerical Cognition and Transfer Effects to Improvement in Children's Math
Narae Kim1, Selim Jang1,2, Soohyun Cho1
1Department of Psychology, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea.
Frontiers in Psychology
|October 19, 2018
Summary
Numerical cognition training improved approximate number sense acuity in first graders. However, these gains did not transfer to broader math achievement, suggesting further research is needed on training effects.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Educational psychology
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Evidence on the efficacy of basic numerical ability training is mixed.
- Understanding if and which numerical skills can be improved through training is crucial for educational interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if basic numerical abilities can be enhanced through targeted training.
- To determine if improvements in basic numerical skills transfer to overall math achievement in children.
Main Methods:
- Developed a child-friendly software, "123 Bakery," with four numerical training modules.
- Conducted a 6-week training program with 56 first graders, divided into training and control groups.
- Assessed basic numerical processing, math achievement, and intelligence before and after training.
Main Results:
- The training group showed significant improvement in approximate number sense acuity (ANS acuity).
- No significant transfer of training effects was observed in symbolic exact calculation or other math abilities.
- Intelligence and overall math achievement remained unchanged in the training group compared to the control.
Conclusions:
- Child-friendly numerical cognition training can effectively enhance approximate number sense acuity.
- The transferability of improved ANS acuity to symbolic math abilities requires further investigation.
- Current training approaches may not be sufficient to boost overall mathematical achievement.