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Self-Regulated Learning and Working Memory Determine Problem-Solving Accuracy in Math
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 September 2022
Abstract
This study aims to understand the role of self-regulated learning (SRL) and its different processes in the relationship between working memory (WM) and problem-solving accuracy in math in primary school children. A sample of 269 primary school children (M age = 8.84, SD = 0.81, 58% boys) participated in this study. Tasks were used as intervention resources to assess children’s WM (i.e., reading and computation span tasks), SRL (i.e., a digital game), and performance (i.e., the performance in the game, as well as a traditional math problem). Through structural equation modeling, results revealed that WM predicted children’s SRL and their problem-solving accuracy in math, such that those with higher capability for temporary storage attained better accuracy. Accordingly, children’s SRL explained the relationship between WM capacity and problem-solving accuracy in math; such that the indirect effect of WM capacity through SRL was lower on problem-solving accuracy in math. Results indicated that the planning phase was a greater indicator of students’ SRL in problem-solving accuracy in math. These results highlight the importance of SRL competencies in explaining children’s performance in problem-solving in math.
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- © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2022
Footnotes
Paula Ferreira and Ana Margarida Veiga Simão work for Centro de Investigação em Ciência Psicológica (CICPSI), Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa. Paula Paulino works for Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs (HEI-Lab); Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa. Rui Prada and Ricardo Rodrigues work for Instituto Superior Técnico, Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores: Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Lisboa (INESC-ID).
Funding Statement: This study received financing from national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) with reference CICPSI–UIDB/04527/2020, UIDP/04527/2020; INESC–ID UIDB/50021/2020, and the participative budget of the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Agreement No. 15033699).
Conflicts of Interest: None.