Leiden University Student Repository

Witte, Sam (2024)

Leerpotentieel in de kindertijd in beeld: Een onderzoek naar de relatie met werkgeheugen, plannen en gender

Master thesis | Education and Child Studies (MSc)

The study aimed to investigate the association between working memory and planning skills in learning potential in Dutch primary school children aged 8 to 11. Specifically, it sought to determine whether variations in working memory and planning abilities influenced children's learning potential and whether gender moderated these relationships. It is relevant to conduct research on this topic because current studies are scarce or inconsistent. Additionally, it can provide valuable insights into how education can be further tailored to maximize the potential of students. Using a MANOVA, the research analyzed the interplay between cognitive factors and learning potential, measured via the Dynamic Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Task (drawing task for learning potential), Picture Span (working memory), and Tower of Hanoi (planning skills). Separate MANOVAs examined the impact of working memory and planning skills, individually and combined, on learning potential, and explored interaction...Show moreThe study aimed to investigate the association between working memory and planning skills in learning potential in Dutch primary school children aged 8 to 11. Specifically, it sought to determine whether variations in working memory and planning abilities influenced children's learning potential and whether gender moderated these relationships. It is relevant to conduct research on this topic because current studies are scarce or inconsistent. Additionally, it can provide valuable insights into how education can be further tailored to maximize the potential of students. Using a MANOVA, the research analyzed the interplay between cognitive factors and learning potential, measured via the Dynamic Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Task (drawing task for learning potential), Picture Span (working memory), and Tower of Hanoi (planning skills). Separate MANOVAs examined the impact of working memory and planning skills, individually and combined, on learning potential, and explored interaction effects with gender. This multivariate approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of these relationships. However, the study found no significant relationships between working memory, planning skills, and learning potential. Additionally, gender did not significantly moderate these associations. These findings underscore the need for caution in assuming the sole importance of working memory and planning skills in children's learning potential. They highlight the complexity of factors influencing learning outcomes, suggesting that other variables beyond cognitive abilities may play crucial roles. Moving forward, future research should adopt a broader perspective, considering a wider range of factors such as motivation, emotional intelligence, socioeconomic status, and environmental influences. Additionally, employing more reliable measurement tools and accounting for contextual and individual differences will be essential for a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping children's learning potential.Show less

Werkgeheugen

planning

gender

dynamisch testen

Author

Witte, Sam

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Orthopedagogiek

Supervisors

Huijbregts, S.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

nl