Work

Comparative Study of the Development of Executive Functions in Children: Transition from the First Cycle to the Second Cycle of Early Childhood Education

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: ANTECEDENTS: Executive functions (EFs) are the basis for establishing a goal and working towards that goal by coordinating thoughts and actions. EFs are fundamental to several aspects of daily life, specifically for academic performance. AIM: To analyse and compare the development of EFs in the transition period between the first and second cycles of early childhood education. METHODOLOGY: Non-experimental methodology, ex post facto design, descriptive, cross-sectional evolution study. PARTICIPANTS: Preschoolers of different educational levels (first and second cycle of infant education). In this study, the participants were evaluated by different informants: 54.42% by parents and 45.58% by teachers. In relation to gender, 52.65% were male and 47.35% were female. In relation to age, 37.54% had a range of 2-3 years and 62.46% had a range of 4-5 years. MEASUREMENT: The instrumental development of EFs was evaluated using BRIEF-P by key informants. RESULTS: Preschoolers in the first cycle showed significantly higher scores than preschoolers in the second cycle in BRIEP-P. CONCLUSIONS: The development of EFs is key in these first key moments, having a special impact on later development and academic performance. It is necessary to work on EFs from the first cycle of early childhood education, considering the evolutionary development of EFs.

Source: Brain Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14121273

Author: ESPERANZA BAUSELA BAUSELA

Institutions: Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Universidad de Navarra

Language: English

Topic: Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology

Subfield: Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,501