The measurement of enhancement in mathematical abilities as a result of joint cognitive trainings in numerical and visual-spatial skills: A preliminary study

A body of literature shows the significant role of visual-spatial skills played in the
improvement of mathematical skills in the primary school. The main goal of the current study
was to investigate the impact of a combined visuo-spatial and mathematical training on the
improvement of mathematical skills in 146 second graders of several schools located in Italy.
Participants were presented single pencil-and-paper visuo-spatial or mathematical trainings,
computerised version of the above mentioned treatments, as well as a combined version of
computer-assisted and pencil-and-paper visuo-spatial and mathematical trainings, respectively.
Experimental groups were presented with training for 3 months, once a week. All children
were treated collectively both in computer-assisted or pencil-and-paper modalities. At pre and
post-test all our participants were presented with a battery of objective tests assessing
numerical and visuo-spatial abilities. Our results suggest the positive effect of different types
of training for the empowerment of visuo-spatial and numerical abilities. Specifically, the
combination of computerised and pencil-and-paper versions of visuo-spatial and mathematical
trainings are more effective than the single execution of the software or of the pencil-and-paper
treatment.