The effect of learning experience based on the EF Guideline to executive function skills in preschoolers: a case study of the child central preventorium for children

executive functions skills, preschooler, learning experience, EF Guideline

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of learning experience based on EF Guideline to executive function skills in preschoolers. This research design of this study was pretest – posttest, quasi - experimental design. The executive function skills were evaluated before and after the experiment in 3 aspects: 1) inhibitory control 2) shifting 3) working memory. The subjects included 45 preschoolers aged between 2-4 years. They were divided into the experimental group comprising 23 preschoolers, and the control group comprising 22 preschoolers. The learning experience based on EF Guideline has been provided to the experimental group. The data collection instruments included: 1) EF Development Inventory in preschoolers (MU.EF-101 Form); 2) general information questionnaire for preschoolers; 3) EF Guideline. The EF development of both groups was evaluated by the care teachers after ending the experiment for 12 weeks. The result showed that the preschoolers in the experimental group have achieved higher executive functions skills after such activity at a level of significance (p<.05) in all 3 aspects as measured by Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Singed-Ranks Test. The preschoolers in the experimental group have achieved higher executive functions skills than the control group at a level of significance (p<.05) in all 3 aspects as measured by MANCOVA.