Growth in the Relationship Among Cognition, Mathematics Calculation, and Literacy in Elementary School Children

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Division C Section 2a Poster Session 4: Cognitive Processes

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the components of working memory (WM) that best predict growth in reading and mathematics calculation. First grade children (n = 125) were given a battery of tests assessing their cognition, reading, and mathematics achievement. Results utilizing hierarchical growth modeling indicated that all three components of WM, central executive, phonological loop, and visual-spatial sketchpad, were related to student growth in reading ability. However, although both phonological loop and central executive WM components were related to growth in mathematical calculation, visual-spatial sketchpad was not. These results are significant because it supports a domain general influence of WM on seemingly diverse areas of student achievement.

Authors

• Harpreet Uppal, JBS International, Inc.

• Catherine Lussier, University of California - Riverside

• H. Lee Swanson, University of California - Riverside