Effects of computer-based training on children’s executive functions and academic achievement

Abstract

In terms of critical skills for academic achievement, the literature has revealed that the development of executive functions (EF) plays a key role. Although numerous researchers have aimed to improve EF through computerized cognitive training interventions, the evidence of the effect derived from these interventions remains ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a computerized game-based training program on EF and its impact on academic performance in 713 Spanish Primary School students (M = 10.2 years old, 51.3% girls). The EF training was carried out in 8 weeks, 3 sessions of 15–20 minutes each week, measuring students’ EF and obtaining information on academic performance. The results showed an improvement within the training group in the questionnaires exploring inhibition and working memory, as well as in academic performance, compared to the control group. In contrast, no significant intergroup differences were observed in the inhibition tasks.

Keywords:

• Academic achievement
• computer-based training
• elementary school students
• executive functions
• inhibition
• working memor

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This research has been partially funded by grants PGC2018-097145-B-I00 and RED2018-102615-608 T from the Spanish Government and H2019/HUM-5705 from the Comunidad de Madrid.