Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Self-regulation game predicts kindergarten achievement

Self-regulation game predicts kindergarten achievement

June 09, 2009

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Early childhood development researchers have discovered that a simple, five-minute self-regulation game not only can predict end-of-year achievement in math, literacy and vocabulary, but also was associated with the equivalent of several months of additional learning in kindergarten.

Claire Ponitz from the University of Virginia and Megan McClelland of Oregon State University assessed the effectiveness of a game called the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders (HTKS) task, which is a new version of the Head-to-Toes task developed by researchers at the University of Michigan. Both tasks have proved effective at predicting academic skills among preschool age children. Their results were published in the newest issue of the journal, Developmental Psychology.




The researchers assessed a group of 343 kindergarteners from Oregon and Michigan. Their self-regulation, or ability to control behavior, was measured with the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task, a structured observation requiring children to perform the opposite of a response to four different oral commands. For example, children were instructed to touch their toes if told to touch their head, and vice versa.

They found that students who performed well on his behavior task in the fall achieved strong scores in reading, vocabulary and math in the spring, compared to students who had low performance on the task. In addition, the research showed that the children who performed well on the task scored 3.4 months ahead of peers who performed at average levels on mathematics learning.

"It's amazing that this game works as well as it does," McClelland said. "It is simple to administer, fun for the kids, and predicts children's academic achievement."

One area where the task did not make a difference was assessing children's interpersonal skills. McClelland explained that the game is not "emotion-oriented," meaning it is not set up to trigger an emotional response. Instead, the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task tests children on important classroom-related behavior such as listening, following directions and remembering instructions.

"We know this task predicts end-of-year achievement," she said. "Now we want to take the game to the next level."

McClelland is planning to do an extensive evaluation of the task for her next research project, testing the task with an even larger group of children. She also has a number of research projects under way with OSU graduate students, including one that uses a variety of fun games to improve a child's ability to regulate their behavior.

She said she has made a simple DVD that demonstrates the task, and in response has received requests from around the world from researchers who want to use the task with young children.

"The evidence strongly suggests that improving self-regulation is directly related to academic achievement and behavior," McClelland said. "If we can make a difference early in a child's life, they have that much more of a chance at success."

Oregon State University



Related Achievement Current Events and Achievement News Articles Achievement Current Events and Achievement News RSS Achievement Current Events and Achievement News RSS
PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative shares strategy for developing 'next-generation' malaria vaccines
Marking its tenth anniversary year, the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) today unveiled a new strategy that sets the stage for an aggressive push targeting the long-term goal of eliminating and eradicating malaria. Malaria is one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, killing nearly 900,000 people a year, most of them children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Decrease in physical activity may not be a factor in increased obesity rates among adolescents
Decreased physical activity may have little to do with the recent spike in obesity rates among U.S. adolescents, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Brain tumors in childhood leave a lasting mark on cognition, life status
Brain tumors in childhood cast a long shadow on survivors. The first study of the lasting impact of these tumors -- the most common solid malignancies in childhood -- shows that survivors have ongoing cognitive problems.

First draft of the pig: Researchers sequence swine genome
A global collaborative has produced a first draft of the genome of a domesticated pig, an achievement that will lead to insights in agriculture, medicine, conservation and evolution.

Of mice and men: Stem cells and ethical uncertainties
The recent creation of live mice from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) not only represents a remarkable scientific achievement, but also raises important issues, according to bioethicists at The Johns Hopkins University's Berman Institute of Bioethics.

NIH-funded researchers transform embryonic stem cells into human germ cells
Researchers funded in part by the National Institutes of Health have discovered how to transform human embryonic stem cells into germ cells, the embryonic cells that ultimately give rise to sperm and eggs.

Childhood risk factors for developing substance dependence
There is ample evidence for the genetic influence of alcohol dependence, and ongoing studies are actively looking for specific genes that may confer this increased susceptibility.

Children's blood lead levels linked to lower test scores
Exposure to lead in early childhood significantly contributes to lower performances on end-of-grade (EOG) reading tests among minority and low-income children, according to researchers at Duke University and North Carolina Central University.

Science study: Teacher participation in Columbia program improves student achievement in science
The notion that training teachers in the rigors of hands-on science will directly improve their students' academic performance now has real data behind it: Research assembled over the last decade - now published in the Oct. 16 issue of Science - shows that high school students' pass rate on New York State standardized tests, called Regents examinations, can be significantly improved if they are among the lucky few to study under a teacher trained in Columbia University's Summer Research Program for Science Teachers.

Small classes give extra boost to low-achieving students
Small classes in early grades improve test scores in later grades for students of all achievement levels, but low achievers get an extra boost.
More Achievement Current Events and Achievement News Articles
Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed

Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed
by Brian Tracy (Author)

Brian Tracy is one of the world's leading authorities on success and personal achievement, addressing more than 100,000 men and women each year in public and private seminars. In Maximum Achievement, he gives you a powerful, proven system -- based on twenty-five years of research and practice -- that you can apply immediately to get better results in every area of your life.

You learn ideas, concepts, and methods used by high-achieving people in every field everywhere. You learn how to unlock your individual potential for personal greatness. You will immediately become more positive, persuasive, and powerfully focused in everything you do. Many of the more than one million graduates of the seminar program upon which this book is based have dramatically increased their income...

The Psychology of Achievement: Develop the Top Achiever's Mindset

The Psychology of Achievement: Develop the Top Achiever's Mindset
by Brian Tracy (Author), Brian Tracy (Reader)

Success can be yours with Brian Tracy's

The Psychology of Achievement

Develop the top achiever's mindset

The world's foremost producer of personal development and motivational audio programs offers an inside look at the thinking that leads to great achievement. Drawing on the work of leading psychologists and behavioral researchers, Brian Tracy -- America's "success mentor" -- demonstrates the attitude, deep self-knowledge and pin-pointed goals that are important factors in achieving great success. He'll help you identify your own "area of excellence" and master the tools that make each achiever tick, including: How to sharpen your natural intuition How to increase your brain power How to change thoughts from negative to positive How to break bad habits quickly and...

Key Words for High Achievement

Key Words for High Achievement
by R & R FitzGerald (Author)

Command of the words in this book will provide students with the sophisticated vocabulary that advanced readers, writers, and speakers possess and employ. 36 units.

Accent on Achievement - Flute - Book 1 - Book and CD Package

Accent on Achievement - Flute - Book 1 - Book and CD Package
by Alfred Publishing

Accent on Achievement is a revolutionary, best-selling band method that will excite and stimulate your students through full-color pages and the most complete collection of classics and world music in any band method. The comprehensive review cycle in books 1 & 2 will ensure that students remember what they learn and progress quickly. Also included are rhythm and rest exercises, chorales, scale exercises, and 11 full band arrangements among the first two books. Book 3 includes progressive technical, rhythmic studies and chorales in all 12 major and minor keys. Also included are lip slur exercises for increasing brass instrument range and flexibility. Accent on Achievement meets and exceeds the USA National Standards for music education, grades five through eight.

A History of Chinese American Achievement

A History of Chinese American Achievement
Starring: Archie Kao
Directed By: Ron Meyer

Join host Archie Kao as he shares the incredible story of Chinese American Achievement, from the first wave of immigrants in California's gold fields to the entrepreneurs of the 21st century's Information Age. It is a spellbinding account of accomplishment ... Jerry Yang and the creation of Yahoo ... Amy Tan's fascinating novels of Chinese American life ... I.M Pei and his magnificent architecture ... Michelle Kwan, the darling of American figure skaters ... Yo Yo Ma's acclaimed cello performances ... The legendary Bruce Lee and his extraordinary martial arts ... And over 40 more stories of Chinese American achievers who have helped shaped America into its leadership role in the 21st century.

Programs in this series:
Program 1: The Chinese Find a New Homeland
Program 2:...

  Using Data to Close the Achievement Gap (Video Kit) [VHS]
Also With: Ruth S. Johnson (Editor)



Mystery Achievement (2006 Remastered LP Version)

Mystery Achievement (2006 Remastered LP Version)
The Pretenders (Primary Contributor)



American Drummers Achievement Awards Honoring Steve Gadd With A Special Tribute To Armand Zildjian

American Drummers Achievement Awards Honoring Steve Gadd With A Special Tribute To Armand Zildjian
Starring: Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Rick Marotta, Bill Cosby, Michael Landau
Directed By: Dave Diomedi

This once-in-a-lifetime event was hosted by comedy legend, Mr. Bill Cosby, and featured an all-star band that included Vinnie Colaiuta and Rick Marotta, on drums; Michael Landau - guitar, Jimmy Johnson - bass, Larry Goldings - keyboards and guest appearances by Will Lee - vocals and Tom Scott - saxophone. Music includes songs from throughout Steve's career. The evening culminated with a spectacular performance by Steve Gadd, with James Taylor and the band. The double-disc DVD features the evening's performances, incredible rehearsal footage, a 20-minute documentary, on Steve's career, narrated by Tony Levin, backstage interviews, and much more.

Accent on Achievement, Book 1

Accent on Achievement, Book 1
by John O'Reilly (Author), Mark Williams (Author)

Accent on Achievement is a revolutionary, best-selling band method that will excite and stimulate your students through full-color pages and the most complete collection of classics and world music in any band method. The comprehensive review cycle in bo

Achievement Golf Motivational Poster Inspirational

Achievement Golf Motivational Poster Inspirational
by wallsthatspeak

This print measures 22x28 inches. "...THE ACHIEVEMENT OF YOUR GOAL IS ASSURED THE MOMENT YOU COMMIT YOURSELF."

© 2009 BrightSurf.com