Higher level domain specific skills in mathematics; the relationship between algebra, geometry, executive function skills and mathematics achievement
Algebra and geometry are important components of mathematics that are often considered gatekeepers for future success. However, most studies that have researched the cognitive skills required for success in mathematics have only considered the domain of arithmetic. We extended models of mathematical skills to consider how executive function skills play both a direct role in secondary-school-level mathematical achievement as well as an indirect role via algebra and geometry, alongside arithmetic. We found that verbal and visuospatial working memory were indirectly associated with mathematical achievement via number fact knowledge, procedural arithmetic, algebra and geometry. Inhibition was also indirectly associated with mathematical achievement via number fact knowledge and procedural arithmetic. These findings highlight that there are multiple mechanisms by which executive function skills may be involved in mathematics outcomes. Therefore, using specific measures of mathematical processes as well as context-rich assessments of mathematical achievement is important to understand these mechanisms.
Funding
Action Medical Research (Ref: GN2311) project grant
Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
History
School
- Science
Department
- Mathematics Education Centre
Published in
PLoS OneVolume
18Issue
11Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)Version
- VoR (Version of Record)
Rights holder
© Spiller et al.Publisher statement
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Acceptance date
2023-09-06Publication date
2023-11-06Copyright date
2023eISSN
1932-6203Publisher version
Language
- en