Effect of short-term intensive design-based STEM learning on executive function: an fNIRS study of the left-behind children

Author:

Ding Keya123,Wu Dandan4,Shen Yining1,Cao Simin1,Liu Qianming1,Wan Zhihong4,Li Hui4ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Shanghai Institute of Early Childhood Education, Shanghai Normal University , Shanghai , P.R. China

2. Lab for Educational Big Data and Policymaking, Ministry of Education , Beijing , P.R. China

3. Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University , Nanjing , P.R.China

4. Faculty of Education and Human Development, The Education University of Hong Kong, HKSAR , Hong Kong , Hong Kong

Abstract

Abstract Design-based STEM learning is believed to be an effective cross-disciplinary strategy for promoting children’s cognitive development. Yet, its impact on executive functions, particularly for disadvantaged children, still need to be explored. This study investigated the effects of short-term intensive design-based STEM learning on executive function among left-behind children. Sixty-one Grade 4 students from a school dedicated to the left-behind children in China were sampled and randomly assigned to an experimental group (10.70 ± 0.47 years old, n = 30) or a control group (10.77 ± 0.43 years old, n = 31). The experimental group underwent a two-week design-based STEM training program, while the control group participated in a 2-week STEM-related reading program. Both groups were assessed with the brain activation from 4 brain regions of interest using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and behavioral measures during a Stroop task before and after the training. Analysis disclosed: (i) a significant within-group time effect in the experimental group, with posttest brain activation in Brodmann Area 10 and 46 being notably lower during neutral and word conditions; (ii) a significant between-group difference at posttest, with the experimental group showing considerably lower brain activation in Brodmann Area 10 and Brodmann Area 46 than the control group; and (iii) a significant task effect in brain activity among the three conditions of the Stroop task. These findings indicated that this STEM learning effectively enhanced executive function in left-behind children. The discrepancy between the non-significant differences in behavioral performance and the significant ones in brain activation implies a compensatory mechanism in brain activation. This study enriches current theories about the impact of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning on children’s executive function development, providing biological evidence and valuable insights for educational curriculum design and assessment.

Funder

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central University

National Natural Science Foundation of China

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

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