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Cognitive Training (Brain Training)

Tags

^Extra-curricular/At-Home All Ages Strategy

Skills

Flexible Thinking Self-regulation Working Memory Attention

Cognitive Training (Brain Training)

If your student struggles with executive functions and you can commit to 2-3 months of almost daily training

How To Apply It!

  1. In the last two decades there has been some evidence that executive functions and other cognitive skills might be improved through computerized training exercises.
  2. The evidence on the efficacy of computerized training programs is mixed. In general, most studies have shown that the skill most amenable to improvement, if any, is working memory. You can read the research on computerized training, also known as "brain training" here.
  3. Three programs that have generally shown more improvements than competitive products are CogMed, BrainWare Safari and FastForWord. CogMed is only available through licensed professionals. The other two, and most others, are available online.
  4. Programs tend to show the greatest effects only with a significant time commitment. While each product has its own recommended practice schedule, parents should expect children to practice 4-5 times per week over a period of 2-3 months to see meaningful improvements.
  5. Parents should evaluate each program based on the quality of the program, research validating sustained and transferable improvements for each skill, engagement, and practical considerations of time commitment required.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Evidence is very mixed about the lasting improvements of brain training. New studies appear regularly. Mindprint's collected articles can be found here. Parents should use their best judgment in evaluating the quality and efficacy of specific programs and managing expectations for improvement.