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Training spatial cognition enhances mathematical learning in a randomized study of 17,000 children

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  • Nicholas Judd

    (Karolinska Institutet)

  • Torkel Klingberg

    (Karolinska Institutet)

Abstract

Spatial and mathematical abilities are strongly associated. Here, we analysed data from 17,648 children, aged 6–8 years, who performed 7 weeks of mathematical training together with randomly assigned spatial cognitive training with tasks demanding more spatial manipulation (mental rotation or tangram), maintenance of spatial information (a visuospatial working memory task) or spatial, non-verbal reasoning. We found that the type of cognitive training children performed had a significant impact on mathematical learning, with training of visuospatial working memory and reasoning being the most effective. This large, community-based study shows that spatial cognitive training can result in transfer to academic abilities, and that reasoning ability and maintenance of spatial information is relevant for mathematics learning in young children.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Judd & Torkel Klingberg, 2021. "Training spatial cognition enhances mathematical learning in a randomized study of 17,000 children," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 5(11), pages 1548-1554, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:5:y:2021:i:11:d:10.1038_s41562-021-01118-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01118-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Berger, Eva M. & Fehr, Ernst & Hermes, Henning & Schunk, Daniel & Winkel, Kirsten, 2020. "The Impact of Working Memory Training on Children's Cognitive and Noncognitive Skills," IZA Discussion Papers 13338, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Laura A. Outhwaite & Erin Early & Christothea Herodotou & Jo Van Herwegen, 2023. "Can Maths Apps Add Value to Learning? A Systematic Review," CEPEO Working Paper Series 23-02, UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities, revised Jan 2023.
    3. Nolte, Nils & Schmitz, Florian & Fleischer, Jens & Bungart, Maximilian & Leutner, Detlev, 2022. "Rotational complexity in mental rotation tests: Cognitive processes in tasks requiring mental rotation around cardinal and skewed rotation axes," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    4. Giulia Lazzaro & Andrea Battisti & Cristiana Varuzza & Laura Celestini & Pierpaolo Pani & Floriana Costanzo & Stefano Vicari & Roi Cohen Kadosh & Deny Menghini, 2021. "Boosting Numerical Cognition in Children and Adolescents with Mathematical Learning Disabilities by a Brain-Based Intervention: A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-18, October.

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