How Does Working Memory Affect Learning? The Interrelationship among Working Memory, Language Learning, and Mathematical Achievement

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Bibliographic Details
Title: How Does Working Memory Affect Learning? The Interrelationship among Working Memory, Language Learning, and Mathematical Achievement
Language: English
Authors: Aysegül Okay, Gülay Cedden
Source: International Journal of School & Educational Psychology. 2025 13(2):63-75.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Correlation, Short Term Memory, Mathematics Achievement, Turkish, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Bilingualism, Prediction, Mathematics Instruction, Mathematics Tests, Standardized Tests, Mathematics Skills, Phonology, Language Skills, Executive Function, Cognitive Tests, Foreign Countries, Reading Tests, Secondary School Students, Native Language
Geographic Terms: Turkey
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Digit Span Test
DOI: 10.1080/21683603.2024.2445703
ISSN: 2168-3603
2168-3611
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship among working memory (WM), mathematics, and language, with the aim of understanding: (1) whether the functions and capacities of WM components can predict achievement in language and mathematics; and (2) whether competence in the first language (L1) and achievement in mathematics can predict success in later second language (L2) learning. The participants were 60 Turkish-English bilingual young adults. Data were collected through the Digit Span Task, standardized exams, and a computerized Turkish Reading Span Task developed for this study. The results reveal that: (1) WM significantly explains achievement in both language and mathematics, and (2) competence in L1 and mathematics predicts success in later L2 learning. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that the domain-specific abilities of language and mathematical skills might share a core network that is strongly linked to the mechanisms of the phonological loop and the central executive, and that rehearsal techniques may modulate the learning achievement of languages and mathematics.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1472900
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study investigates the relationship among working memory (WM), mathematics, and language, with the aim of understanding: (1) whether the functions and capacities of WM components can predict achievement in language and mathematics; and (2) whether competence in the first language (L1) and achievement in mathematics can predict success in later second language (L2) learning. The participants were 60 Turkish-English bilingual young adults. Data were collected through the Digit Span Task, standardized exams, and a computerized Turkish Reading Span Task developed for this study. The results reveal that: (1) WM significantly explains achievement in both language and mathematics, and (2) competence in L1 and mathematics predicts success in later L2 learning. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that the domain-specific abilities of language and mathematical skills might share a core network that is strongly linked to the mechanisms of the phonological loop and the central executive, and that rehearsal techniques may modulate the learning achievement of languages and mathematics.
ISSN:2168-3603
2168-3611
DOI:10.1080/21683603.2024.2445703