- Increasing Attention and Working Memory in Elementary Students Using Mindfulness Training Programs

Increasing Attention and Working Memory in Elementary Students

Abstract

Short attention or attention deficit among children is now the problem for students. It affects many aspects of daily life, such as restlessness or lack of concentration, which affects the learning effectiveness in their studies. Mindfulness training, a systematic training of the mind with a focus on attention and self-regulation, helps improve attention and has a negative relationship with stress. This research was to investigate the effects of mindfulness training in elementary students by comparing the mean scores of response accuracy and reaction time. The sample consisted of 60 elementary students, randomly assigned to groups, the first group being those trained with the audiovisual mindfulness program, and the second being the control group. The training program takes place over four weeks, three days per week, and 30 minutes per day. The main findings of this research were:  the mean response accuracy scores for attention and working memory after audiovisual mindfulness training, and without training revealed that scores of attentions and working memory of the groups were significantly different. However, the response time for attention and working memory of the groups were not different.