scholarly journals Training Executive Functions to Improve Academic Achievement: Tackling Avenues to Far Transfer

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Gunzenhauser ◽  
Matthias Nückles
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Formal Schooling ◽  
Far Transfer ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Executive Function Training

The aim of training executive functions is usually to improve the ability to attain real-life goals such as academic achievement, that is, far transfer. Although many executive function trainings are successful in improving executive functions, far transfer is more difficult to achieve (cf. Diamond and Lee, 2011; Sala and Gobet, 2020). In this perspective article, we focus on the transfer of executive function training to academic performance. First, we disentangle possible sources of transfer problems. We argue that executive functions can facilitate academic performance via two specific pathways, namely learning-related behaviors and learning-related cognitions. Further, we discuss how domain-specific factors (e.g., task-specific demands and prior knowledge) may influence the successful application of executive functions to learning in this domain. Second, we discuss how the school setting can be used to enhance executive function training with approaches to facilitating far transfer to academic achievement. Specifically, we suggest that training executive functions as a means to improve academic performance is most promising in young students, for whom both behavioral and domain-specific cognitive demands of formal schooling are quite novel challenges. Furthermore, we outline that students could be supported in far transfer of trained executive functions by being informed of the specific relevance of these skills for learning-related behaviors and by having them practice executive functions under such authentic conditions. Moreover, we suggest that in order to promote ongoing effects of executive function training beyond short-term interventions, teachers should be equipped to consider the specific executive function components that might facilitate and support students’ acquisition of a particular subject matter.

scholarly journals Task Monitoring and Working Memory as Executive Components Predictive of General and Specific Academic Achievements in 6–9-Year-Old Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6681
Author(s):  
Alberto Quílez-Robres ◽  
Nieves Moyano ◽  
Alejandra Cortés-Pascual
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Language Arts ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Academic Achievements ◽  
Predictive Role ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The Relationship

Academic achievement has been linked to executive functions. However, it is necessary to clarify the different predictive role that executive functions have on general and specific academic achievement and to determine the most predictive executive factor of this academic achievement. The relationship and predictive role between executive functions and their components (initiative, working memory, task monitoring, organization of materials, flexibility, emotional control, inhibition, self-monitoring) with academic achievement are analyzed in this study, both globally and specifically in the areas of Language Arts and Mathematics, in 133 students from 6 to 9 years of age. The relationship obtained in Pearson’s correlation analysis does not differ substantially between overall achievement (r = 0.392) and specific achievement (r = 0.361, r = 0.361), but task monitoring (r = 0.531, r = 0.455, r = 0.446) and working memory (r = 0.512, r = 0.475, r = 0.505) had a greater relationship with general and specific achievement. Finally, regression analyses based on correlation results indicate that executive functions predict general academic performance (14.7%) and specific performance (12.3%, 12.2%) for Language Arts and Mathematics, respectively. Furthermore, working memory and task supervision represent 32.5% of general academic performance, 25.5% of performance in Language Arts, and 27.1% of performance in Mathematics. In conclusion, this study yielded exploratory data on the possible executive functions (task supervision and working memory) responsible for good general academic achievements and specific academic achievements in Mathematics and Language Arts.

scholarly journals Study of the Interaction between Executive Function and Adaptive Behavior at School in Girls with Fragile X Syndrome

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1108
Author(s):  
Lorena Joga-Elvira ◽  
Jennifer Martinez-Olmo ◽  
María-Luisa Joga ◽  
Carlos Jacas ◽  
Ana Roche-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Fragile X Syndrome ◽  
Adaptive Behavior ◽  
Neuropsychological Tests ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Fragile X ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between executive functions and adaptive behavior in girls with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in the school setting. This study is part of a larger investigation conducted at the Hospital Parc Tauli in Sabadell. The sample consists of a total of 40 girls (26 with FXS and 14 control) aged 7–16 years, who were administered different neuropsychological tests (WISC-V, NEPSY-II, WCST, TOL) and questionnaires answered by teachers (ABAS-II, BRIEF 2, ADHD Rating Scale). The results show that there is a greater interaction between some areas of executive function (cognitive flexibility, auditory attention, and visual abstraction capacity) and certain areas of adaptive behavior (conceptual, practical, social, and total domains) in the FXS group than in the control group. These results suggest that an alteration in the executive functions was affecting the daily functioning of the girls with FXS to a greater extent.

Predicting mathematical abilities from early mathematics and number-specific executive functions in informal and formal schooling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peera Wongupparaj ◽  
Roi Cohen Kadosh
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Formal Schooling ◽  
Early Mathematics ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Mathematical Abilities ◽  
Mathematics Abilities

Abstract Background Current evidence on an integrative role of the domain-specific early mathematical skills and domain-general executive functions (EFs) from informal to formal schooling and their effect on mathematical abilities is so far unclear. The main objectives of this study were to (i) compare the domain-specific early mathematics, the number-specific EFs, and the mathematical abilities between preschool and primary school children, and (ii) examine the relationship among the domain-specific early mathematics, the number-specific EFs, and the mathematics abilities among preschool and primary school children.Methods In the present study, we recruited six- and seven-year-old children (Ntotal=505, n6yrs=238, and n7yrs=267). We compared domain-specific early mathematics as measured by symbolic and non-symbolic tasks, number-specific EFs tasks, and mathematics tasks between these preschool and primary school children. In addition, we tested the predictive power of domain-specific numerical and number-specific EFs on mathematics abilities among preschool and primary school children. MANOVA and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to test research hypotheses.Results We found that primary school children were superior to preschool children over more complex tests of the domain-specific early mathematics, the number-specific EFs, the mathematics abilities, particularly, for more sophisticated numerical knowledge and the number-specific EFs components. The SEM revealed that both the domain-specific early numerical and the number-specific EFs could predict the mathematics abilities across age groups. Nevertheless, the number comparison test and mental number line of the domain-specific early mathematics were clearly pronounced in predicting the mathematics abilities for formal school children. These results highlight the benefits of both the domain-specific early mathematics and the number-specific EFs in mathematical development, especially at the key stages of formal schooling. Understanding the causal effect of EFs in improving mathematical attainments could allow a more powerful approach in improving mathematical education at this developmental stage.

scholarly journals Clinical and neuropsychological assessment of executive function in a sample of children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 954-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Bandeira de Lima ◽  
Fernanda Moreira ◽  
Marleide da Mota Gomes ◽  
Heber Maia-Filho
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Clinical Data ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Seizure Type ◽  
Card Sorting

Objective To compare the executive functions of children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy with a control group and to correlate with clinical data, intelligence and academic performance. Method Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. Thirty-one cases and thirty-five controls were evaluated by the WCST (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test).The results were compared with clinical data (seizure type and frequency, disease duration and number of antiepileptic drugs used), IQ (WISC-III) and academic performance (APT). Results Patients with epilepsy had poorer executive function scores. There was no positive linear correlation between test scores and epilepsy variables. There was a positive association between academic performance and some executive function results. Conclusion Children with well controlled idiopathic epilepsy may show deficits in executive functions in spite of clinical variables. Those deficits may influence academic performance.

scholarly journals Executive Function Training in Childhood Obesity: Food Choice, Quality of Life, and Brain Connectivity (TOuCH): A Randomized Control Trial Protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Sanchez-Castañeda ◽  
Sandra Luis-Ruiz ◽  
Marta Ramon-Krauel ◽  
Carles Lerin ◽  
Consuelo Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
General Hypothesis ◽  
Executive Function Training

Background: Individuals with obesity are known to present cognitive deficits, especially in executive functions. Executive functions play an important role in health and success throughout the whole life and have been related to food decision-making and to the ability to maintain energy balance. It is possible to improve executive functions through targeted training. This would involve brain plasticity changes that could be studied through connectivity MRI. The general hypothesis of this study is that executive functions training in children with obesity can improve food choices and produce cognitive and neuroimaging changes (structural and functional connectivity), as well as improve emotional state and quality of life.Methods: Randomized controlled double-blind trial with 12-month follow-up. Thirty children with obesity will be randomly allocated into “executive training” (Cognifit with adaptive difficulty + Cogmed) or “control task” group (Cognifit without adaptive difficulty). Both groups will attend 30–45 min of individual gamified training (Cogmed and/or Cognifit systems) by iPad, five times per week during 6 weeks. Cogmed and Cognifit software are commercially available from Pearson and Cognifit, respectively. Participants will receive an iPad with both apps installed for a 6-week use. Participants will also receive counseling diet information via presentations sent to the iPad and will wear a Fitbit Flex 2 tracker to monitor daily activity and sleep patterns. Main outcomes will be cognitive, emotional, food decision, and quality-of-life measures, as well as neuroimaging measures. Participants are evaluated at baseline (T0), after treatment (T1), and 12 months since baseline (T2).Discussion: Longitudinal study with active control group and 3 time points: baseline, immediately after treatment, and 1 year after baseline. Threefold treatment: executive function training, psychoeducation, and feedback on activity/sleep tracking. We will evaluate the transfer effects of the intervention, including emotional and functional outcomes, as well as the effects on neural plasticity by connectivity MRI.Trial registration: This project has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (trial registration number NCT03615274), August 3, 2018.

scholarly journals Relation between Academic Achievement, Executive Function, Intelligence and Meta Cognition

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditi Kadian
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Student Teacher ◽  
Educational Goals

Academic achievement or (academic) performance is the outcome of education — the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals. Academic achievement generally refers to how well a student is accomplishing his or her tasks and studies. The most well-known indicator of academic achievement is the student’s ‘score’ for their classes and overall tenure. Many variables affect the academic achievement of the student i.e. Meta cognition, executive function, intelligence etc. The present study will investigate the relation between Meta cognition, executive function, intelligence and academic achievement. For this purpose a sample of 100 students (6th to 8th) was selected and data was collected.

scholarly journals Fluid Intelligence and Time Management and Artificial Neural Networks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Ville Tiitto ◽  
Robert A. Lodder
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Artificial Neural Networks ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Training Activities ◽  
Executive Function Training ◽  
Artificial Neural ◽  
Virtual Subjects

AbstractAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Our lab is currently conducting a pilot study to assess the effects of the online game Minecraft as a therapeutic video game (TVG) to train executive function deficits in children with ADHD. The effect of the TVG intervention in combination with stimulants is being investigated to develop a drug-device combination therapy that can address both the dopaminergic dysfunction and executive function deficits present in ADHD. Although the results of this study will be used to guide the clinical development process, additional guidance for the optimization of the executive function training activities will be provided by a computational model of executive functions built with artificial neural networks (ANNs). This model uses ANNs to complete virtual tasks resembling the executive function training activities that the study subjects practice in the Minecraft world, and the schedule of virtual tasks that result in maximum improvements in ANN performance on these tasks will be investigated as a method to inform the selection of training regimens in future clinical studies. This study first proposes the use of recurrent neural networks to model the fluid intelligence executive function. This model is then combined with a previously developed model using convolutional neural networks to model working memory and prepotent impulsivity to produce virtual “subjects” who complete a computational simulation of a Time Management task that requires the use of both of these executive functions to complete. The capability of this model to produce groups of virtual “subjects” with significantly different levels of performance on the Time Management task is demonstrated.

scholarly journals A-162 Neurocognitive Functioning in Youth with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Examining Relations between Executive Functions and Academic Achievement

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 956-956
Author(s):  
Friedhoff C ◽  
Oh A ◽  
Ventura L
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 ◽  
Math Achievement ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type ◽  
Fourth Edition ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Intelligence Scale

Abstract Objective Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder affecting approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. It is commonly associated with neurofibromas, café-au-lait spots, and optic gliomas. It has also been linked to neurocognitive deficits, including learning disabilities and ADHD. This study examined relationships among executive functions (EF) and academic achievement in children diagnosed with NF1. Methods Participants included 29 children (ages 2–21; M = 9.28, SD = 5.50) diagnosed with NF1 referred for neuropsychological evaluation as part of standard clinical care. A battery of tests was administered, including measures of intelligence (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition), attention (Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II), EF (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System), academic achievement in reading and math (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition), and parent rating scales examining EF in the home environment (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition). Results Relations between attention, EF, and academic achievement were examined using bivariate Pearson correlations. Lower scores on measures of EF (e.g., inhibition of prepotent responses) were linked to lower math achievement scores (r = .73, p < .05). Difficulties with sustained attention were associated with lower performance on measures of reading (r = −.60, p < .05) and math achievement (r = −.59, p < .05). Parent report of EF difficulties was correlated with lower reading scores (r = −.68, p < .05). Conclusions Results suggest that children with NF1 are at risk for deficits in EF and academic achievement. Problems in these two domains are likely to co-exist. Thus, interventions targeting these skills should be well integrated.

Performance, Achievement, and Success in Psychological Research: Towards a More Transparent Use of the Still Ambiguous Terminology

2021 ◽  
pp. 003329412199600
Author(s):  
Ivana Mašková ◽  
Dalibor Kučera
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Job Performance ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Performance Achievement ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Universal Indicator

The present study focused on the terms performance, achievement, and success that have often been used in an ambiguous manner in psychological research. The way in which the meaning of the domain-specific constructs referred to with the terms was established for measurement purposes was investigated on a sample of 262 articles that stemmed from 35 randomly selected journals covering the full range of psychological research. The operational definitions of the constructs referred to with the terms performance, achievement, and success were analysed and compared in both inter- and intra-domain fashion. Additionally, we assessed the match among the observed operational definitions and general conceptual definitions available in the extant literature. The results revealed terminology-related issues in educational and occupational research. Within these domains, lack of adherence to the multidimensionality of the constructs of academic performance, academic achievement, academic success, job performance, and career success was identified as a general issue. Further, the tendency to measure job performance via indicators based on self-rating was considered inadequate given the objective nature of the term performance. In educational research, the overlap of the academic performance, academic achievement, and academic success constructs was confirmed, resulting from the tendency to use GPA as a universal indicator of academic outcomes. Based on the present findings, we provided several recommendations in order to encourage future research towards a more transparent way of dealing with the particular constructs referred to with the terms performance, achievement, and success. We suppose the present study may help researchers in the full range of psychological disciplines to add clarity to their own research.

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