scholarly journals Memory Mates: An Evaluation of a Classroom-Based, Student-Focused Working Memory Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-171
Author(s):  
Susan Colmar ◽  
Kit Double ◽  
Nash Davis ◽  
Linda Sheldon ◽  
Natalie Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Experimental Research ◽  
Differential Effect ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Academic Progress ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis applied experimental research tested the effectiveness of a universal, student-focused intervention (‘Memory Mates’), specifically focused on supporting students to use attention and working memory strategies within academic contexts, unlike computer-based programs. Memory Mates is presented in the form of icons and explanations, with the strategies embedded within the classroom. Analyses compared the impact of the intervention over 8 months in three schools with three control schools, comprising 13 Year 4 primary school classes. The intervention group students showed a significant improvement in mathematics and spelling; however, there was no differential effect on reading comprehension or academic engagement. Based on the present results, it is contended that implementing Memory Mates within classroom contexts demonstrated promising potential as a new approach to supporting academic progress.

scholarly journals Testing young foreign language learners’ reading comprehension: Exploring the effects of working memory, grade level, and reading task

2021 ◽  
pp. 026553222199148
Author(s):  
Tineke Brunfaut ◽  
Judit Kormos ◽  
Marije Michel ◽  
Michael Ratajczak
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Test ◽  
Reading Task ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Comprehension Accuracy

Extensive research has demonstrated the impact of working memory (WM) on first language (L1) reading comprehension across age groups (Peng et al., 2018), and on foreign language (FL) reading comprehension of adults and older adolescents (Linck et al., 2014). Comparatively little is known about the effect of WM on young FL readers’ comprehension, and even less within testing contexts. Young FL readers are still developing their L1 reading skills and general cognitive skills (e.g., attentional regulation abilities). Completing FL reading tests might be particularly taxing on their WM, and differences in WM capacity – as well as other learner and task characteristics – might create construct-irrelevant variance in test performance. In this study we investigate the effects of WM, grade level, and reading task on young learners’ FL reading test performances. Ninety-four young English language learners (Grades 6–7) in Hungary completed the TOEFL® Junior™ Comprehensive’s reading test and a WM test battery. Our mixed-effects model predicted significantly higher comprehension accuracy among learners with higher WM capacity, and among learners in Grade 7 compared to learners in Grade 6. Reading task differences were not associated with significant comprehension accuracy differences. We discuss the implications of our findings for testing young learners’ FL reading comprehension.

scholarly journals Enhancing Elementary Level EFL Students’ Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills through Extensive Reading Enrichment Program

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Rania Adel Ibrahim Ahmed ◽  
Hussam Rajab
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Extensive Reading ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The Impact

<p>This quasi-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative study investigated the impact of Extensive Reading (ER) on developing second language (L2) reading comprehension and writing skills among primary school EFL learners in two Arab countries, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The study is based on an experiment conducted over a nine-month period on a convenience sample of 112 primary school students <em>(n=112</em>) divided into five groups, three experimental groups and two control group, where the students belonged to two different private schools in Egypt and two different international schools in two cities in Saudi Arabia. The experiment, in the form of an enrichment ER program, used graded readers for young learners and was designed to foster ER for pleasure. The study, guided by three hypotheses, incorporated two types of statistical analysis tests, paired samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical analysis tests performed indicated marked improvement in English proficiency in the two experimental groups, with particular reference to reading comprehension and writing. A number of pedagogical implications and recommendations for future research are given. Additionally, the study highlights the issue related to insufficient exposure to English for young Arab EFL learners in their daily lives, which, unfortunately, seems to cause relapses in their L2 intake, despite having an age advantage.</p>

scholarly journals Exploring variation in reading comprehension among young adult Spanish–English bilinguals: The role of environmental language contact and attitudes toward reading

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 695-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Ashley Smith ◽  
Jessica G Briggs ◽  
Holly Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
University Students ◽  
Attitudes Toward Reading ◽  
Reading Outcomes ◽  
English Reading ◽  
English Bilingual ◽  
English Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Environment ◽  
The Impact

Aims: The goal of this study was to investigate diversity among Spanish–English bilingual university-level students’ reading outcomes and the impact of reading attitudes, motivation, and variation in language environment. Design: The current study included 50 Spanish–English bilingual undergraduate students, mean age 21.8 years, from a university in the western United States. Participants were administered a battery of standardized assessments including measures of executive function, English reading comprehension, working memory, non-verbal IQ, and questionnaires addressing language environment, language behaviour, and attitudes toward reading in English and Spanish. Data and analysis: Hierarchical linear regression models regressing reading performance on questionnaire responses were performed. Findings: Spanish–English bilingual university students showed differential reading comprehension outcomes, which were significantly predicted by differences in attitudes toward reading, extrinsic and/or instrumental motivation, and environmental language usage. A combined model of IQ, working memory, perceived English reading skills, and composite of positive attitudes toward reading in Spanish and English accounted for the most variance in reading comprehension scores, 38.5%, F(2,502), p = .03. Greater Spanish use for workplace customer communication significantly predicted higher English reading comprehension. Originality: Distinct from previous research, learners’ perceived value of Spanish reading and use of Spanish in the workplace accounted for variance in English reading outcomes. Significance: Our findings that individual and environmental factors influence variation in reading outcomes indicates further heterogeneity among Spanish–English bilingual university students, with potential implications for reading development and university success.

The Impact of an Online Transition Curriculum on Secondary Student Reading

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison R. Lombardi ◽  
Margo V. Izzo ◽  
Graham G. Rifenbark ◽  
Alexa Murray ◽  
Andrew Buck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Transition Services ◽  
Linear Modeling ◽  
Literacy Strategies ◽  
Reading Comprehension Strategies ◽  
Student Reading ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

This study investigates the impact of an online transition curriculum embedded with literacy strategies on reading outcomes for secondary students in grades 9–12 across two states. The quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design had a sample of 338 students with and without disabilities and utilized the AIMS Web Maze Test for 8th Grade Reading Prompts to measure gain scores in reading comprehension. Multilevel linear modeling methods were used to examine the effects of the curriculum intervention on students nested within teachers. Findings show that while both groups increased in reading, the intervention group made larger gains that were statistically significant and corresponded to a large effect size. These results emphasize the importance of embedding reading comprehension strategies within transition services.

scholarly journals Impacts of a Standing Desk Intervention within an English Primary School Classroom: A Pilot Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7048
Author(s):  
Aron P. Sherry ◽  
Natalie Pearson ◽  
Nicola D. Ridgers ◽  
William Johnson ◽  
Sally E. Barber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Traditional Classroom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Class Time ◽  
The Impact

Traditional classroom furniture dictates that children predominantly sit during class time. This study evaluated the impact of providing standing desks within a deprived UK primary school setting over 8 months using mixed-method approaches. All children within a Year 5 class (9–10-year-olds, n = 30) received an adjustable sit–stand desk, while another Year 5 class (n = 30) in a nearby school retained traditional furniture as a control classroom. At baseline, 4 months, and 8 months, activPAL monitors (PAL Technologies, Glasgow, UK) were worn for 7 days to provide time spent sitting and standing. Behavior-related mental health, musculoskeletal discomfort surveys, and a cognitive function test battery were also completed at all three timepoints. Intervention experiences from pupils and the teacher were captured using focus groups, interviews, and classroom observations. At both 4 months and 8 months, multi-level models revealed a reduction in class time sitting in the intervention group compared to the control group ((β (95%CI) 4 months −25.3% (−32.3, −18.4); 8 months −19.9% (−27.05, −12.9)). Qualitative data revealed challenges to teaching practicalities and a gradual decline in behavior-related mental health was observed (intervention vs. control: 4 months +5.31 (+2.55, +8.08); 8 months +7.92 (+5.18, +10.66)). Larger trials within similar high-priority settings are required to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of providing standing desks to every child in the classroom.

scholarly journals Attention Components and Spelling Accuracy: Which Connections Matter?

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 539
Author(s):  
Lucia Bigozzi ◽  
Chiara Malagoli ◽  
Chiara Pecini ◽  
Sara Pezzica ◽  
Claudio Vezzani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Transparent Orthography ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Early Primary ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Impact

Attention and working memory are cross-domain functions that regulate both behavioural and learning processes. Few longitudinal studies have focused on the impact of these cognitive resources on spelling skills in the early phase of learning to write. This longitudinal study investigates the contributions of attention and working memory processes to spelling accuracy and handwriting speed in 112 primary school children (2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade; age range: 7.6–9.4 years) learning to write in the Italian transparent orthography. Standardised batteries were used to assess their attention and working memory skills, as well as their spelling. Homophone and non-homophone errors were measured, as they may involve different attentional and working memory processes. The results showed that, for 2nd grade children, selective attention shifting, planning, and inhibition predicted non-homophone errors, whereas sequential working memory predicted homophone errors and writing speed was explained by planning and selective attention. In 3rd grade, only homophone errors were predicted by planning and inhibition. No significant relationships were found in 4th grade, nor in the transition across grades. Dynamic and diversified roles of attentional and working memory processes in predicting different writing skills in early primary school years emerged, with a gradual decrease in the attention–writing relationship with age.

scholarly journals The Influence of Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review Method Toward Reading Comprehension Ability Mediated by Working Memory

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Nani Restati Siregar ◽  
Muhammad Ilham ◽  
Mansyur M.
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Survey Question ◽  
Phonological Working Memory ◽  
Comprehension Ability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Reading Comprehension Ability

Reading comprehension plays a vital role in students' academic achievement. This empirical study aims to determine the influence of survey, question, read, recite, and review (SQ3R) method on reading comprehension ability. The impact of mediation on semantic and phonological working memory toward reading comprehension ability after being given the SQ3R method. The empirical study was Quasi-experimental with untreated control group design with dependent pretest and posttest samples. The total participants are 57 students in elementary school. Thirty of the subjects were selected based on colored progressive matrices and reading comprehension measurement in equal. In this case, 15 students as treatment groups and 15 students as a control group. Backward digit span task was used to measure phonological working memory, sentence completion, responsibility for semantic working memory, and reading comprehension test for reading comprehension ability. Causal analysis technique by SPSS MACRO PROCESS was used to examine the hypothesis of the research. The results revealed that there was an influence SQ3R method toward reading comprehension ability. Semantic working memory and phonological working memory are mediate between SQ3R and reading comprehension, but the mediating effect of semantic working memory is more reliable than phonological working memory. This research indicated that the effectivity of the SQ3R method to improve reading comprehension was mediated by working memory capacity in Bajo’s children.

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