The efficacy of training on the four quadrant brain processes on cognitive functions of students with mathematical disorders

A mathematical learning disorder is a disability that makes understanding, learning, and performing mathematical calculations difficult for children. Both boys and girls are equally affected by mathematical disorders, and they usually start displaying problematic behaviors as soon as they begin math classes in school. Studies have shown that strengthening the four quadrant brain processing skills effectively improves cognitive functions, but there has been limited research on processing these skills in children with mathematical disorders.

This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of training on the four quadrant brain processes on the cognitive functions of students with mathematical learning disorders.

This study falls into the category of semi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test design and follow-up, using a matched group. The study population consisted of male students with learning disorders in mathematics in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, referred by schools to the Learning Disorders Education and Training Center in Tehran. A sample of 50 students meeting the required criteria was selected purposively, and then 30 students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, with 15 students in each group. The training package based on the four quadrant PASS brain processing skills was provided to the experimental group twice a week for 10 sessions of 75 minutes each. During this period, the control group received no educational interventions. After 6 months, a follow-up test was conducted for the experimental group. Data were collected using 10 subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V). Data analysis was performed using a one-variable covariance analysis test.

The results of the research showed that the training package on the four quadrant brain processing skills had a significant effect on cognitive functions and subscales of visual-spatial ability, fluid reasoning, active memory, and processing speed of students with mathematical learning disorders. However, it did not have a significant effect on verbal comprehension. The impact on active memory and processing speed was more significant than the other five factors (p < 0.05).

In conclusion, the four quadrant brain processing skills training package can be considered a practical and effective intervention for improving cognitive functions in students with mathematical learning disorders diagnosed with the Specifier for Mathematics.