How Early Experiences in Cognitive Development Improve Working Memory and Processing Speed Skills of Children

Heather Dube, B.A.
            
Sarah Sarette, Ed.D.

Abstract

Providing the support that children need to build cognitive skills (i.e. working memory and processing speed) has come to the forefront for special educators today.  This study investigated how fourth-grade students within an experimental classroom (N=14) and special education students within a small group setting (N=9) improved their working memory and processing speed through a self-designed board game.  Board game activities were conducted for three months.  Data were collected from 14 heterogeneously grouped students in an experimental classroom (N=22) and student within a small group setting in the special education classroom setting (N=9). The effects of working memory and processing speed interventions were administered through individual pre- and post- standardized measures.  Descriptive statistics for post-test student assessments show no statistical significance in working memory and processing speed. The results of this study suggest that a short-term intervention to increase working memory and processing speed is not impactful. Longer interventions may prove to be more successful and should be examined.  

Keywords:  working memory, processing speed, special education

Read or Download

  • To Read this Article - or Download this Article (login required)

  • To Download the Entire WINTER 2020 Issue of JAASEP -  (login required)

NASET Members -  Login to Access These Files.

 


Not a Member?

If you are a member of NASET, please login to freely access this and all archived articles of JAASEP

If you are NOT A MEMBER of NASET you may purchase this article of JAASEP for $5.95 (use the "Buy now" button below):

OR Buy the entire issue of JAASEP WINTER 2020 for $24.95. Use the BUY NOW button below:

OR - Join NASET and have access to this & ALL PAST ISSUES of JAASEP - JOIN NASET


Return to the Table of Contents - CLICK HERE

forgot username or password?