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ERIC Number: EJ1372767
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Oct
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: EISSN-1939-2176
What Mediates the Relationship between Growth in Math Problem-Solving and Working Memory in English Language Learners?
Swanson, H. Lee; Arizmendi, Genesis D.; Li, Jui-Teng
Journal of Educational Psychology, v114 n7 p1608-1632 Oct 2022
This study explored the role of growth in the executive components of working memory (WM) on second language (L2) mathematical problem-solving in elementary school children who are emerging bilinguals whose first language (L1) is Spanish. To this end, children (N = 429) in Grades 1, 2, and 3 at Wave 1 were administered a battery of math, reading, vocabulary, and cognitive (short-term memory [STM], working memory [WM], rapid naming, and inhibition) measures. The battery of tests was administered again 1 year and 2 years later to the same participants. Four important findings emerged: (a) growth in the executive of WM was significantly related to growth in L2 math problem-solving independent of growth in reading, vocabulary, fluid intelligence, inhibition, and rapid naming speed; (b) a Nonmath achievement/aptitude (i.e., reading, vocabulary) model provided a better fit to the data than domain-specific math and process models; (c) the relationship between WM and L2 math problem-solving was significantly mediated by L1 mathematical problem-solving and English vocabulary; and (d) the influence of WM on L2 math problem-solving was unidirectional. Taken together, this is the first comprehensive study of the link between growth in WM and growth in emerging bilingual children's mathematical problem-solving in 2 language systems. The results are discussed within the context of four models that assess the contribution of WM in predictions of later math problem-solving in emergent bilingual children.
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 1; Primary Education; Grade 2; Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; Woodcock Munoz Language Survey; Woodcock Reading Mastery Test; Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test; Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test; Raven Progressive Matrices
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1660828