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Video games can have lasting impact on learning

Date:
September 20, 2016
Source:
Yale University
Summary:
A computer-based brain training program helps improve student performance in reading and math — in some cases even more than individualized tutoring, according to a new study.
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A computer-based brain training program developed at Yale University helps improve student performance in reading and math -- in some cases even more than individualized tutoring, according to a new study published Sept. 12 in Scientific Reports.

In a study of more than 500 second graders, math and reading scores on school- administered tests increased significantly more in children who used the brain training program Activate during the school year than in control classes. The effect on math achievement scores was greater than what has been reported for one-on-one tutoring and the effect on reading scores was greater than what has been reported for summer reading programs.

The findings illustrate that the benefits of the training, conducted three times a week for a four-month period, extend beyond getting better on the training games themselves and lead to improved learning of material that is very different from that in the games.

"The program increases focus, self-control, and memory -- cognitive skills essential for learning," said Dr. Bruce Wexler, professor emeritus of psychiatry at Yale and lead author of the study. "And these are the exactly the cognitive skills affected by poverty, so we believe brain training programs like Activate can help reduce the achievement gaps related to poverty that are seen in schools across the country."

In a second finding from the same study, researchers discovered that doing a five-minute brain warm-up game just before beginning an Activate math or reading curricular content game can increase math and reading performance. Different warm-up games produced maximal "cognitive priming" effects for math and reading. Cognitive priming with short video games could be more powerful than techniques teachers currently use to create mind-sets to facilitate learning, Wexler said.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Yale University. Original written by Bill Hathaway. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Bruce E Wexler, Markus Iseli, Seth Leon, William Zaggle, Cynthia Rush, Annette Goodman, A. Esat Imal, Emily Bo. Cognitive Priming and Cognitive Training: Immediate and Far Transfer to Academic Skills in Children. Scientific Reports, 2016; 6: 32859 DOI: 10.1038/srep32859

Cite This Page:

Yale University. "Video games can have lasting impact on learning." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 September 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160920104225.htm>.
Yale University. (2016, September 20). Video games can have lasting impact on learning. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 27, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160920104225.htm
Yale University. "Video games can have lasting impact on learning." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160920104225.htm (accessed March 27, 2024).

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