Development of visual cognition: Transfer effects of the Agam program☆

摘要: Abstract The Agam program was designed to foster visual thinking in young children by developing their language. This curriculum implemented five nursery classes for 2 consecutive school years. Children these were compared with where the not administered. It hypothesized that generative nature of language developed experimental would allow extend learned new situations and help them solve problems which no prior training given. Test results confirmed this hypothesis: effects transferred cognitive domains Specifically, findings indicated positive on general intelligence readiness about enter first grade, especially pronounced areas arithmetic writing readiness. Other revealed an increased learning ability tasks children. Training did transfer mental rotation memory realistic designs. found be equally effective lower-class as middle-class effect greater who participated years those joined second year, indicating a cumulative program. latter finding can also used refute alternative explanation obtained offered motivational theory. transfer, taken together previously reported concept skills, point educational potential approach advocated program, is, systematic long-term instruction domain cognition early childhood.