ERIC Number: EJ1249698
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Apr
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0922-4777
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Do Executive Functions Contribute to Writing Quality in Beginning Writers? A Longitudinal Study with Second Graders
Cordeiro, Carolina; Limpo, Teresa; Olive, Thierry; Castro, São Luís
Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal, v33 n4 p813-833 Apr 2020
Writing is an important activity that involves many demanding processes. Given the complexity and goal-directed nature of writing, this activity is heavily dependent on executive functions (EFs). This study aimed to examine the longitudinal contribution of EFs (i.e., inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and planning) to text quality in Grade 2. One hundred and sixteen Portuguese native speakers in Grade 2 (M[subscript age] = 7.26 years; SD = 0.29) participated in two measurement occasions with a 6-month interval (viz., Fall and Spring). In the Fall measurement, students completed EFs and writing tasks, while in the Spring measurement, students completed writing tasks only. We conducted a set of hierarchical regression analyses to examine the contribution of EFs measured in the Fall to story quality measured both in the Fall and in the Spring. Results showed that working memory and planning at the beginning of the school year had a significant and unique contribution to text quality 6 months later, above and beyond the effects of gender, reasoning, and transcription skills. These findings provide evidence of the key role of working memory and planning in children's writing. From an applied side, this study also indicates that teachers should aim to promote EFs in order to support writing in young learners.
Descriptors: Executive Function, Writing Skills, Beginning Writing, Elementary School Students, Grade 2, Inhibition, Short Term Memory, Cognitive Ability, Planning, Foreign Countries
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 2; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Portugal
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A