Effects of computer-based training on children's executive functions and academic achievement

The educational community is deeply interested in knowing how to improve the academic performance of its students. And in particular, with regard to the skills critical to academic performance, the literature has revealed that the development of executive functions (EF) plays a key role. Although numerous studies have aimed to improve EF through computerized cognitive training interventions, the evidence of the effect derived from these interventions remains ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a computerized game-based training program on EF and its impact on academic performance in 713 Spanish Primary School students (M =10.2 years old, 51.3 % girls). The EF training was carried out in 26 participating schools (8 weeks, 3 sessions of 15-20 minutes each week), measuring both before and after the training students’ executive functions through questionnaires and chronometric tests, and obtaining information on academic performance. The results showed an improvement within the training group in the validated questionnaires exploring inhibition and working memory, as well as in academic performance, compared to the control group. In contrast, no significant intergroup differences were observed in the chronometric tests measuring inhibition. These results highlight the relevance of computerized EF training programs as part of the educational activities developedat schools.