thinking, development, genetic

Managing minds (training executive functions)

Study by Diamond published in Science

This is a ‘most read’ article for educators, especially those working with at risk youngsters. The article appeared in Science which means that it is technical and terse and the message that comes out of the study is loud and clear.

Diamond and her colleagues demonstrate that executive functions can be taught successfully. Up to now these functions were rarely direct targets of the teacher, especially not those teaching preschoolers (4 and 5 year olds). These are the very kids that can use such training because the training is a building block for so much other learning that takes place in the schools. These functions directly affect school learning readiness and measures of intelligence.

Diamond used a training vehicle called Tools of Mind which uses dramatic play as an intervention. The method was administered by teachers to low income urban school kids in a well designed study (a study that assured that results were readily and clearly interpretable). The results were so powerful and clear that educators felt it was unfair to withhold the treatment from the control group.

In a personal communication Adele Diamond pointed out that Tools of Mind can also be used in kindergarten and first grade. She also suggested that there are other fun ways of teaching executive function to young kids including dramatic make-believe play, storytelling, and simple games like Simple Simon Says and Red Light/Green Light.

The implications of this study are huge.

The exact title of her article is “Preschool Program Improves Cognitive Control.” The authors are Adele Diamond, W. Steven Barnett, Jessica Thomas, Sarah Munro, and it appeared in Science at the end of 2007; vol:318 iss:5855 pg:1387 -1388.