Working memory and children's mathematical skills: implications for mathematical development and mathematics curricula

Holmes, Joni and Adams, John (2006) Working memory and children's mathematical skills: implications for mathematical development and mathematics curricula. Educational Psychology, 26 (3). pp. 339-366. ISSN 0144-3410

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Abstract

This study examined the contributions of the different components of the working memory (WM) model to a range of mathematical skills in children, using measures of WM function that did not involve numerical stimuli. A sample of 148 children (78 Year 3, mean age 8 years and 1 month, and 70 Year 5 pupils, mean age 9 years and 10 months) completed WM measures and age-appropriate mathematics tests designed to assess four mathematical skills defined by the National Curriculum for England. Visuo-spatial sketchpad and central executive, but not phonological loop, scores predicted unique variance in children's curriculum-based mathematical attainment but the relative contributions of each component did not vary much across the different skills. Subsequently, the mathematics data were re-analysed using cluster analysis and new performance-related mathematics factors were derived. All three components of WM predicted unique variance in these performance-related skills, but revealed a markedly distinct pattern of associations across the two age groups. In particular, the data indicated a stronger role for the visuo-spatial sketchpad in the younger children's mathematics performance. We discuss our findings in terms of the importance of WM in the development of early mathematical ability.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Short-term memory, Mathematical ability in children, Mathematics-Primary school teaching
Subjects:	C800 Psychology
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	EPrint Services
Date Deposited:	19 Mar 2010 12:31
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 16:28
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3061

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