The Effectiveness of Family-based Cognitive activities (Brain Gym) on working memory and Mathematics Performance in Children with Learning Disability in Mathematics

Background and Aim: The students with learning disability in mathematics have problems with their working memory and this affects their academic performance and does not let their full potential to be achieved. Methods: This was evaluated by a semi-experimental study with pretest-posttest and a control group. ۱۵ students in the experimental group participated in this program, and ۱۵ students in the control group did not receive any treatment. Wechsler digit span was used to measure working memory and K-math (۲۰۰۳) was used to evaluate their mathematics performance. The obtained data were analyzed using Analysis of the Covariance. Results: The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of cognitive, family-based paper and pencil activities (Brain Gym) on working memory and mathematics performance of the students with learning disability. Conclusion: The findings showed significant differences (p<۰.۵) between the experimental and the control group in working memory and mathematics performance in these students. At the end, it is concluded that using cognitive family-based paper-pencil activities was effective for improving working memory and mathematics performance. Further discussions as well as suggestions for future research are presented.

کلیدواژه ها:

Working memory ، cognitive games ، students with learning disability in mathematics