Research Article

The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period

Volume: 9 Number: 2 June 3, 2025
EN

The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between planning and attention skills and mathematical abilities in preschool children and then assessed the predictive power through regression analysis. In addition, the prediction power of children's planning and attention skills on mathematics ability was also investigated. The study, conducted using a relational survey model, consisted of 88 children aged between 60 and 72 months attending a preschool institution in Istanbul. The measurement tools used in the study were the "Cognitive Assessment System (CAS)" and the Test of Early Mathematics Ability (TEMA-3). The findings showed a moderate, positive, and significant relationship between early mathematical ability and planning skills (r = .60, p < .01). A lower yet still significant relationship was found between attention skills and early mathematical ability (r = .40, p < .01). According to multiple regression analysis results, planning and attention skills together accounted for 37% of the total variance in early mathematical ability (R² = .37, p < .001). Standardized regression coefficients indicated that planning skills (β = .68) were a significant predictor of early mathematical ability (t = 5.23, p < .001). However, attention skills (β = - .11) were not found to be a significant predictor (t = -0.83, p > .05). These results suggest that planning skills play a critical role in mathematical achievement during the preschool period. While a significant relationship was found between attention skills and mathematical ability, attention skills were not identified as a direct predictor of mathematical ability. This study highlights the importance of supporting planning skills in early childhood to enhance mathematical development.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Ethical Statement

This research was approved by the Maltepe University Ethics Committee on 30.05.2022, decision 2022/16-2 and number E-10267653-050.01.01.01-199963.

Thanks

We would like to express our gratitude to Pınar ERDOĞAN and Gülşah AYDIN YEŞİLYURT for their support in organizing the children and arranging the implementation settings during the course of this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Early Childhood Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

May 11, 2025

Publication Date

June 3, 2025

Submission Date

April 15, 2024

Acceptance Date

April 21, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 2

APA
Güven, Y., & Enerem, D. (2025). The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty, 9(2), 181-194. https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1468339
AMA
1.Güven Y, Enerem D. The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period. AUJEF. 2025;9(2):181-194. doi:10.34056/aujef.1468339
Chicago
Güven, Yıldız, and Diğdem Enerem. 2025. “The Predictive Power of Planning and Attention Skills on Mathematical Ability in the Preschool Period”. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty 9 (2): 181-94. https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1468339.
EndNote
Güven Y, Enerem D (June 1, 2025) The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty 9 2 181–194.
IEEE
[1]Y. Güven and D. Enerem, “The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period”, AUJEF, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 181–194, June 2025, doi: 10.34056/aujef.1468339.
ISNAD
Güven, Yıldız - Enerem, Diğdem. “The Predictive Power of Planning and Attention Skills on Mathematical Ability in the Preschool Period”. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty 9/2 (June 1, 2025): 181-194. https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1468339.
JAMA
1.Güven Y, Enerem D. The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period. AUJEF. 2025;9:181–194.
MLA
Güven, Yıldız, and Diğdem Enerem. “The Predictive Power of Planning and Attention Skills on Mathematical Ability in the Preschool Period”. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty, vol. 9, no. 2, June 2025, pp. 181-94, doi:10.34056/aujef.1468339.
Vancouver
1.Yıldız Güven, Diğdem Enerem. The predictive power of planning and attention skills on mathematical ability in the preschool period. AUJEF. 2025 Jun. 1;9(2):181-94. doi:10.34056/aujef.1468339

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