ERIC Number: ED620371
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 61
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Building Word-Problem Solving and Working Memory Capacity: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Three Intervention Approaches
Lynn S. Fuchs; Douglas Fuchs; Sonya K. Sterba; Marcia A. Barnes; Pamela M. Seethaler; Paul Changas
Grantee Submission
This study's purpose was to investigate effects of 3 intervention approaches for building working memory (WM) and improving word-problem solving (WPS). Children with mathematics difficulties (n = 240; 7.51 years [SD = 0.33]) were randomized to 4 conditions: a control group, general WM training with contiguous math practice, WPS intervention without WM training, and WPS intervention with domain-specific WM training. WM, WPS, and arithmetic were assessed before and 1-3 weeks after intervention; delayed WPS and arithmetic posttesting occurred 4-6 weeks later. Multilevel modeling of main effects and mediation effects were employed. Compared to control, general WM training with contiguous math practice and WPS intervention without WM training increased WM and WPS. The 3rd training condition, WPS intervention with domain-specific WM training, which minimized WM training time, improved WPS but without effects on WM. Both WPS intervention conditions outperformed general WM training on WPS. Conclusions are as follows: (1) General WM training with contiguous math practice improves WM and WPS; (2) WM training is not a substitute for WPS intervention when the goal is to strengthen WPS; (3) WPS intervention without WM training improves WM but is not a substitute for WM training when the goal is to strengthen WM; (4) For WM effects to accrue, WM training needs to occur with sufficient intensity; and (5) WM plays a causal role in WPS, but not in arithmetic. Implications are drawn for research and practice, including assessing instructional supports in future research to build cognitive-academic bidirectionality. [This is the advance online version of an article that will be published in "Journal of Educational Psychology."]
Descriptors: Problem Solving, Short Term Memory, Intervention, Mathematics Instruction, Learning Problems, Arithmetic, Comparative Analysis, Pretests Posttests, Instructional Effectiveness, Attribution Theory, Transfer of Training, Grade 2, Elementary School Students, Word Problems (Mathematics), Mathematics Tests, Children, Intelligence Tests, Achievement Tests, Standardized Tests, Teaching Methods, Outcome Measures
Related Records: EJ1372766
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Grade 2; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Center for Education Research (NCER) (ED/IES)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; Iowa Tests of Basic Skills
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A150200; HD15052