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The relation between executive functions, fine motor skills, and basic numerical skills and their relevance for later mathematics achievement

journal contribution
posted on 2024-03-27, 11:42 authored by Venera Gashaj, Nicole Oberer, Fred W Mast, Claudia M Roebers

Research Findings: This study examined the interrelations between fine motor skills, executive functions, and basic numerical skills in kindergarten as well as their predictive value for mathematics achievement in 2nd grade in a sample of 136 children. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to uncover the unique predictive value and mediation of 4 predictors. The results indicated that each of these factors made a unique contribution to the prediction of later mathematics achievement; when estimated simultaneously, basic numerical skills were the strongest predictor, which suggests that domain-specific factors have a greater impact on mathematics achievement than domain-general factors. A strong direct and indirect predictor was updating. Nevertheless, indirect effects of fine motor skills and an inhibition/switching factor indicated that domain-general skills have a direct impact on early domain-specific precursors and through them an indirect effect on mathematics achievement. Practice or Policy: These findings suggest that the relationship between motor skills, executive functions, and mathematical skills is more complex in its nature. Therefore, to achieve the best outcome, all skills should be promoted if a child has difficulties with mathematics.

Funding

Jacobs Foundation

Center for Cognition, Learning, and Memory at the University of Bern

History

School

  • Science

Department

  • Mathematics Education Centre

Published in

Early Education and Development

Volume

30

Issue

7

Pages

913 - 926

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Rights holder

© Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Publication date

2018-11-21

Copyright date

2018

ISSN

1040-9289

eISSN

1556-6935

Language

  • en

Depositor

Dr Venera Gashaj. Deposit date: 25 March 2024

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