ERIC Number: EJ1008436
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-May
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0891-4222
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Math Practice and Its Influence on Math Skills and Executive Functions in Adolescents with Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disability
Jansen, Brenda R. J.; De Lange, Eva; Van der Molen, Mariet J.
Research in Developmental Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v34 n5 p1815-1824 May 2013
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. (Contains 2 figures and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Memory, Subtraction, Adolescents, Control Groups, Experimental Groups, Mathematics Skills, Mathematics Instruction, Executive Function, Mild Mental Retardation, Cognitive Ability, Program Effectiveness, Special Education, Training, Spatial Ability, Visual Perception, Skill Development
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Author Affiliations: N/A