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05-10-2024 | Original Paper

Pilot Study of Smart Moves: An Executive Functioning Training Program with Kindergarteners at a Title I School

Auteurs: Lisa D. Cromer, Ashley D. Louie, Mollie E. Rischard

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies | Uitgave 10/2024

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Abstract

Cognitive skills, known as executive function (EF), that are critical for school success, are often underdeveloped in children living in low-income and economically marginalized (LIEM) circumstances. Considerable research has shown that EF is trainable; however, effect sizes are modest at best, and training programs are generally delivered either one-on-one for indicated children or universally, requiring high costs and effort. The present study aimed to treat indicated children attending a Title I school in a small-group format, using an intrinsically rewarding game-based protocol developed for kindergarteners with EF difficulties. The intervention occurred 3–4 times per week for ~8 weeks. The pilot program scaffolded children to perform increasingly challenging tasks designed to increase cognitive load and incorporated meta-cognitive components teaching self-regulation. This pilot (N = 14) evidenced that children at a Title I school tolerated the program; (n = 12) 85% of children who started the program completed it through post-testing. Effect sizes of baseline to post-intervention on standardized EF measures show promise for the pilot program. Cohen’s d for behavioral self-control were 0.70 and 1.36; for a computerized task, Cohen’s d = 0.40; for a conflict resolution task, Cohen’s d = 0.61; and for a classroom observation of behavior, Cohen’s d = 0.39. A standardized teacher rating form of child behavioral control had a Cohen’s d = 0.68. Pilot results suggest that training effects could transfer to the classroom. All effects are longitudinal and within subjects, suggesting that further between-subjects testing is warranted; results should not be generalized without further evaluation of the program.
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Metagegevens
Titel
Pilot Study of Smart Moves: An Executive Functioning Training Program with Kindergarteners at a Title I School
Auteurs
Lisa D. Cromer
Ashley D. Louie
Mollie E. Rischard
Publicatiedatum
05-10-2024
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Child and Family Studies / Uitgave 10/2024
Print ISSN: 1062-1024
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-2843
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-024-02843-w