Study: Brain Trainer for Nintendo DS Raises Test Scores
London’s Daily Telegraph reports a study of 600 students in 32 schools across Britain led by Learning and Teaching Scotland found test scores increased after playing “Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training” each day for nine weeks. The students were ages nine and ten, and played “a 20-minute problem-solving session” on the game each day. Scores increased on the post-test for all students, but up to 50% more for the experimental group. The experimental group also had higher attendance, better behavior, and finished the test quicker. Gains were equal among boys and girls. Finally, whether children had a Nintendo DS at home or not did not affect their scores. Here are the key quotes:
Derek Robertson, LTS’s national adviser for emerging technologies and learning, said: “It shows teachers needn’t be afraid to use technology in the classroom.”
Lorna Neilson, a teacher at Hillhead Primary School in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, took part in the study.
She said the game had now become part of her daily classroom routine.
She said: “It’s had a really positive effect. The children settle much more quickly, they concentrate better and are more motivated.
“I have a Nintendo DS at home and I was already a fan, but it’s been a great tool in the classroom. I think it’s something we should see used in more schools.”
References:
Irvine, C. (2008, September 26). Playing Nintendo’s Brain Trainer ‘can improve childrens’ maths skills.’ Daily Telegraph. [Online.] Retrieved September 29, 2008 from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3084265/
Playing-Nintendos-Brain-Trainer-can-improve-childrens-maths-skills.html
Tags: Daily Telegraph, Derek Robertson, Learning and Teaching Scotland
DS, Game Discussion, Game Studies, Nintendo, Research, Serious Games, Video Game Research | John Rice | 
September 29, 2008 8:13 am
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By gearsofrock, September 30, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
I teach high school and play a little Brain Age now and again to keep my mind sharp.
By Snow White, October 28, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
By mastering the different difficulty levels of the free brain game, the brain will be trained to be more efficient. You will be able to hone your reflex action and improve your memory and cognitive skills. You will be more alert and as your ability to remember and comprehend is enhanced, you will be able solve complicated problems easily.
Don’t you want to be more creative, fast and brilliant? Play a free brain game at http://braingames.we.bs/ and see improvement within 7 days.
By Thomas Wolf, October 15, 2009 @ 11:04 pm
Great article look forward to reading more about your brain training.