The Rise of Brain Training Programs and Their Impact on Learning
In recent years, cognitive training apps have gained popularity for their potential to enhance children’s learning abilities. These programs often involve puzzles, memory games, and other mental exercises designed to improve cognitive functions. Some research supports the effectiveness of such apps in boosting specific brain skills. However, concerns remain about whether these programs might negatively affect reading development.
The global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on children’s education, especially for those from lower-income backgrounds. Many students experienced learning gaps, with some showing declines in essential cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and flexible thinking. In response, some experts are advocating for the use of specialized “brain training” programs in schools to help address these challenges.
Cognitive scientists are particularly interested in whether these programs can improve working memory, which is often referred to as the mind’s staging area. This is the part of the brain that handles short-term information processing, such as when solving a math problem or trying to remember a sequence of numbers. Thomas Perry, a social scientist and education researcher at the University of Warwick, UK, explains that limited working memory can be a major barrier to learning.
A Promising Study on Working Memory Training
A recent study conducted in Germany explored the effects of a 12-hour working memory training program on young children. The study followed 572 schoolchildren aged 6 to 7 over three years. One group completed the training while missing out on equivalent time in math or German classes. The control group continued with regular lessons.
Results showed that children who participated in the training had improved working memory capacity up to a year after the program. Three years later, they were 16% more likely to enter an academic track at secondary school compared to the average 30%. Torkel Klingberg, a neuroscientist at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, noted that the benefits extended beyond working memory, including improvements in IQ and self-control.
The Role of Apps in Cognitive Training
The children in the German study used a publicly available app called Nuroe to train their working memory. The app includes tasks like visuospatial tests, where children must remember the location of objects on a screen. While this approach shows promise, experts caution against making broad claims based on a single study.
Thomas Perry, who was not involved in the research, emphasized the need for large-scale trials to confirm the results. He also pointed out that some teachers may be shifting focus away from core subjects like reading to prioritize cognitive training. For disadvantaged children, who may not have access to reading materials at home, this could be detrimental.
Mixed Evidence on the Effectiveness of Brain Training
Perry was part of a large-scale review of over 400 studies examining cognitive training programs in schools. Conducted by the UK’s Education Endowment Foundation, the review found that while some studies show positive effects in controlled settings, the results are less consistent when tested in real classrooms.
“There’s a picture emerging from the research that some studies show working memory training is potentially effective in certain settings, but others show no effect at all,” Perry said. “We don’t have enough evidence to say it’s a good thing to teach students or how to do it effectively.”
In the United States, large-scale brain training programs in schools have shown little to no impact on educational outcomes. Meta-analyses also suggest that working memory training does not significantly improve overall cognitive performance or intelligence in the long term.
The Debate Over Generalization of Skills
Some experts argue that the benefits of working memory training do not translate well to real-world cognitive skills. Critical thinking, for example, relies heavily on accumulated knowledge. Perry explained that critical thinking in one subject, such as science, does not necessarily apply to other areas.
“I doubt we can double kids’ working memory and make them suddenly superintelligent,” he said. “The real challenge is ensuring that children develop a strong foundation in core academic skills.”
As the debate continues, educators and researchers alike are calling for more rigorous studies to determine the true value of brain training programs in improving children’s learning outcomes.
