Differentiating Students with Mathematics Difficulty in College: Mathematics Disabilities vs. No Diagnosis

2005 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M. McGlaughlin ◽  
Andrew J. Knoop ◽  
Gregory A. Holliday
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Secondary Education ◽  
College Algebra ◽  
College Mathematics ◽  
Math Fluency ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Elementary And Secondary Education ◽  
Mathematics Disability ◽  
Mathematics Disabilities ◽  
Mathematics Difficulty

Difficulties with college algebra can be the gatekeeper for earning a degree. Students struggle with algebra for many reasons. The focus of study was to examine students struggling with entry-level algebra courses and differentiate between those who were identified as having a mathematics disability and those who were not. Variables related to working memory, math fluency, nonverbal/visual reasoning, attention, and reading were analyzed using a MANOVA and separate ANOVAs. Significant differences were found on all but attention, supporting the findings of research on students in elementary and secondary education. Implications include a focus on techniques that help to remediate these specific deficits.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Working Memory Training in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J Hardy ◽  
Sarah E Bills ◽  
Emily R Meier ◽  
Jeffrey C Schatz ◽  
Katie J Keridan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Working Memory Training ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Math Fluency ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective Youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neurocognitive deficits including problems with working memory (WM), but few interventions to improve functioning exist. This study sought to determine the feasibility and efficacy of home-based, digital WM training on short-term memory and WM, behavioral outcomes, and academic fluency using a parallel group randomized controlled trial design. Methods 47 children (7–16 years) with SCD and short-term memory or WM difficulties were randomized to Cogmed Working Memory Training at home on a tablet device (N = 24) or to a standard care Waitlist group (N = 23) that used Cogmed after the waiting period. Primary outcomes assessed in clinic included performance on verbal and nonverbal short-term memory and WM tasks. Secondary outcomes included parent-rated executive functioning and tests of math and reading fluency. Results In the evaluable sample, the Cogmed group (N = 21) showed greater improvement in visual WM compared with the Waitlist group (N = 22; p = .03, d = 0.70 [CI95 = 0.08, 1.31]). When examining a combined sample of participants, those who completed ≥10 training sessions exhibited significant improvements in verbal short-term memory, visual WM, and math fluency. Adherence to Cogmed was lower than expected (M = 9.07 sessions, SD = 7.77), with 19 participants (41%) completing at least 10 sessions. Conclusions: Visual WM, an ability commonly affected by SCD, is modifiable with cognitive training. Benefits extended to verbal short-term memory and math fluency when patients completed a sufficient training dose. Additional research is needed to identify ideal candidates for training and determine whether training gains are sustainable and generalize to real-world outcomes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document