Effects of Games for Enhancing Executive Function Program on Early Academic Achievement in Preschoolers: Mediating Role of Executive Function Skills

Abstract

Executive function (EF) skills has been highlighted as a potential factor for early academic achievement which includes mathematical and language skills in preschoolers. However, it has been less explored on how to establish EF skills through daily school program. The current research created a 3-week EF skills training program through playing games for preschoolers (Games for Enhancing Executive Function – GEEF program) which consists of executive function main domains: inhibitory self-control, flexibility and emergent metacognition. Participants were typically developing 4- and 5-year-olds from kindergartens in Ratchaburi, Thailand, divided into two groups: experimental group implemented with GEEF program and controlled group with normal school activities. The result indicates that GEEF program can significantly improve the experimental group early academic achievement comparing with controlled group. The research also suggests that EF skills may be one mechanism which helps increase early academic achievement in preschool children.

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Author Information
Rattanyoo Apichonpongsakorn, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Sittipong Wattananonsakul, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand

• Category: ACP2017, Oral Presentation
• Tag: Psychology and Education,

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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