Affiliation:
1. Centre for Instructional Psychology and Technology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
2. Parenting and Special Education KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
Abstract
AbstractThis 5‐year longitudinal study examined whether high mathematics achievers in primary school had cognitive advantages before entering formal education. High mathematics achievement was defined as performing above Pc 90 in Grades 1 and 3. The predominantly White sample (Mage in preschool: 64 months) included 31 high achievers (12 girls) and 114 average achievers (63 girls). We measured children's early numerical abilities, complex mathematical abilities, and general cognitive abilities in preschool (2017). High mathematics achievers had advantages on most tasks in preschool (ds > 0.62). Number order, numeral recognition, and proportional reasoning were unique predictors of belonging to the high‐achieving group in primary school. This study shows that the cognitive advantages of high mathematics achievement are already observed in preschool.