The effects of a teacher programme on science learning, and social- and neurocognitive child factors in pupils: A pilot study

Objective This study is a pilot study to investigate the relationship between the teacher training programme of Curious Minds and science learning in pupils aged nine to twelve years. By means of a multiple mediation model it was explored whether social cognition and executive functions mediate the relation of the teacher training programme on science learning. Gain scores in mathematical performance were used to explain science learning. Methods In this quasi-experimental research sixty-nine pupils were assigned to either the teacher training programme condition (n = 29) or the control group condition (n = 40). A t-test for independent samples was used to explore the unmediated effect of the teacher training programme on mathematical performances. For the mediated effect a bootstrap resampling method (n = 5000) as described by Preacher and Hayes (2004) and Hayes (2009) was used. Mediating variables are social cognition and the executive functions inhibition, cognitive flexibility...Show moreObjective This study is a pilot study to investigate the relationship between the teacher training programme of Curious Minds and science learning in pupils aged nine to twelve years. By means of a multiple mediation model it was explored whether social cognition and executive functions mediate the relation of the teacher training programme on science learning. Gain scores in mathematical performance were used to explain science learning. Methods In this quasi-experimental research sixty-nine pupils were assigned to either the teacher training programme condition (n = 29) or the control group condition (n = 40). A t-test for independent samples was used to explore the unmediated effect of the teacher training programme on mathematical performances. For the mediated effect a bootstrap resampling method (n = 5000) as described by Preacher and Hayes (2004) and Hayes (2009) was used. Mediating variables are social cognition and the executive functions inhibition, cognitive flexibility and working memory. These variables were tested in thirty-eight pupils, by means of the Dutch Social Cognitive Abilities Test (SCVT; Sociaal Cognitieve Vaardigheden Test) and a computerized test battery, which is part of the Amsterdam‟s Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT; Amsterdamse Neuropsychologische Taken) respectively. Results The results did not support the expectations. These data supported the view that the teacher training programme by Curious Minds significantly decreased mathematical performances. The teacher training programme had a positive effect on social cognition skills, though, no credible evidence indicated mediation. Discussion The examinations in this study were well able to make a contribution to knowledge in the neurological and educational climate. This study provided more knowledge in contribution of a training to children‟s executive functions and social cognition, and hence in mathematical learning. This knowledge must be reflected in education systems, and training must be re-examined. It is advisable for future research to examine the effect of the teacher training programme on practical and explorative science aspects, where Curious Mind initially aims for.Show less

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The effects of a teacher programme on science learning, and social- and neurocognitive child factors in pupils: A pilot study