Zuurman, Julia (2023) Executive Function Training to Improve Mathematical Performance: Task-specific or Transferable? Master thesis, Educational Sciences.
|
Text
Thesis_Zuurman_S3444902.pdf Download (303kB) | Preview |
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the transferability of executive function training to mathematical performance in fourth grade primary school students in Groningen, The Netherlands. In addition to previous studies that examined the transfer of executive function training to mathematical performance (Duncan et al., 2016; Kovalcíková et al., 2021), this study made a distinction between two different task types within mathematics and looked at the transfer between them as well. The research question was stated as follows: What is the effect of executive function training within contextual math tasks on mathematical performance, and does this effect differ for contextual tasks and plain calculus tasks? The study used a pretest-intervention-posttest design with an experimental group of 17 students and a control group of 13 students. The intervention contained 10 short lessons over a period of 5 weeks in which a roadmap was taught to the students. The roadmap displayed six steps for solving contextual math tasks based on strategies to enhance working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility. No significant differences between the conditions were found, leading to the conclusion that the transfer of executive function training to mathematical performance was not supported by this study. The results did, however, show that there might be other factors influencing the transfer of executive function training that are interesting to explore further. The role of sustained attention is discussed. Understanding how executive functions can be effectively utilized to enhance mathematical performance remains an important area for future investigation. Key words: Executive function training, transfer of executive function training, mathematics, primary education
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Kostons, D.D.N.M. |
| Degree programme: | Educational Sciences |
| Differentiation route: | Onderwijskunde [Master Educational Sciences] |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Jun 2023 07:34 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Jun 2023 07:34 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2081 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |