Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability?

Clancy Blair; Hilary Knipe; David Gamson

doi:10.1111/j.1751-228X.2008.00036.x

Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability?

Clancy Blair, Hilary Knipe, David Gamson

Applied Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Abstract

This article examines the role of working memory, attention shifting, and inhibitory control executive cognitive functions in the development of mathematics knowledge and ability in children. It suggests that an examination of the executive cognitive demand of mathematical thinking can complement procedural and conceptual knowledge-based approaches to understanding the ways in which children become proficient in mathematics. Task analysis indicates that executive cognitive functions likely operate in concert with procedural and conceptual knowledge and in some instances might act as a unique influence on mathematics problem-solving ability. It is concluded that consideration of the executive cognitive demand of mathematics can contribute to research on best practices in mathematics education.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	80-89
Number of pages	10
Journal	Mind, Brain, and Education
Volume	2
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-228X.2008.00036.x
State	Published - 2008

Fingerprint

Aptitude

Mathematics

Executive Function

mathematics

ability

Cognition

demand

Short-Term Memory

Practice Guidelines

best practice

Education

examination

Research

knowledge

education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Cognitive Neuroscience
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Education

Cite this

Blair, C., Knipe, H., & Gamson, D. (2008). Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability? Mind, Brain, and Education, 2(2), 80-89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-228X.2008.00036.x

Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability? / Blair, Clancy; Knipe, Hilary; Gamson, David.

In: Mind, Brain, and Education, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2008, p. 80-89.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Blair, C, Knipe, H & Gamson, D 2008, 'Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability?', Mind, Brain, and Education, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 80-89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-228X.2008.00036.x

Blair C, Knipe H, Gamson D. Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability? Mind, Brain, and Education. 2008;2(2):80-89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-228X.2008.00036.x

Blair, Clancy ; Knipe, Hilary ; Gamson, David. / Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability?. In: Mind, Brain, and Education. 2008 ; Vol. 2, No. 2. pp. 80-89.

@article{dd33530e95084ab78649c62ae0ae97af,

title = "Is there a role for executive functions in the development of mathematics ability?",

abstract = "This article examines the role of working memory, attention shifting, and inhibitory control executive cognitive functions in the development of mathematics knowledge and ability in children. It suggests that an examination of the executive cognitive demand of mathematical thinking can complement procedural and conceptual knowledge-based approaches to understanding the ways in which children become proficient in mathematics. Task analysis indicates that executive cognitive functions likely operate in concert with procedural and conceptual knowledge and in some instances might act as a unique influence on mathematics problem-solving ability. It is concluded that consideration of the executive cognitive demand of mathematics can contribute to research on best practices in mathematics education.",

author = "Clancy Blair and Hilary Knipe and David Gamson",

year = "2008",

doi = "10.1111/j.1751-228X.2008.00036.x",

language = "English (US)",

volume = "2",

pages = "80--89",

journal = "Mind, Brain, and Education",

issn = "1751-2271",