Training early visuo-spatial abilities: A controlled classroom-based intervention study

What does it mean?

How can we know if an educational program works? We test a group of students on a target measure (for example, pre-mathematical knowledge) before using the program. Then we split this group in two: the first group will do the program for weeks. The second will continue their routines as usual (without the program). After weeks had passed, we retested all children and observed whether those who used the program knew more about the skills taught than the group who did not use the program. This is how researchers and educators observed that Magrid works! In this study, Magrid proved its effectiveness in two predictive tasks of mathematical skills: measures of spatial orientation (for example: symmetry, shape closing) and visuomotor integration (for example: patterning and construction). In other words, children that used Magrid outperformed the children who did not use it. Magrid can therefore be very helpful for children to improve visuomotor integration and fine motor skills.

Véronique Cornu, Christine Schiltz, Tahereh Pazouki, and Romain Martin

Cornu, V., Schiltz, C., Pazouki, T., & Martin, R. (2019). Training early visuo-spatial abilities : A controlled classroom-based intervention study. Applied Developmental Science, 23(1), 1‑21. -> Link Here

MaGrid: A Language-Neutral Early Mathematical Training and Learning Application

What does it mean?

Have you ever imagined learning math without having to listen to instructions? Without having to speak the language of your teacher or tutor? If you are in kindergarten (or rather! Your parents and teachers who are here reading these words that you are yet to learn) and you want to have a good math foundation before starting the difficult calculations of the school years, come learn with Magrid. Without a good mathematical foundation, it will be a challenge to build the upstairs floors of your mathematical knowledge house. Magrid helps your foundation be very strong. This scientific article tells a bit more about Magrid’s initial development.

Pazouki, T., Cornu, V., Sonnleitner, P., Schiltz, C., Fischbach, A., & Martin, R. (2018b). MaGrid : A Language-Neutral Early Mathematical Training and Learning Application. International Journal Of Emerging Technologies In Learning (iJET), 13(08), 4.  -> Link Here

Visual Spatial Math Training Tool: An iPad Application for Training Visual Spatial Abilities in Preschoolers

What does it mean?

Everyone has a story, so does Magrid. This article describes Magrid’s early history. Magrid was developed to improve cognitive abilities in preschoolers. The program was initially called Visual-Spatial Math Training (VSMT), as Magrid was composed with tasks in this category. The program was created considering students with language deficits, as they are a vulnerable group for low mathematics performance, resulting in lower academic achievement throughout schooling. That is why the Magrid program does not depend on the use of languages, an innovative idea, which facilitates independent use by the child.

Tahereh Pazouki, Véronique Cornu, Romain Martin

Hierarchical Development of Early Visual-Spatial Abilities – A Taxonomy Based Assessment Using the MaGrid App

What does it mean?

Does Magrid tasks really access visuospatial abilities in children? Yes! This study confirms that Magrid can discriminate well individual differences in the performance of these early mathematical skills. This means that using Magrid, educators can observe well in what stage of visuospatial skills development their children may find themselves in, but it can also be used to train systematically this developmental stage.

Stefanie Jung, Anna Meinhardt, David Braeuning, Stephanie Roesch, Véronique Cornu, Tahereh Pazouki, Christine Schiltz, Jan Lonnemann and Korbinian Moeller 

Jung, S., Meinhardt, A., Braeuning, D., Roesch, S., Cornu, V., Pazouki, T., Schiltz, C., Lonnemann, J., & Moeller, K. (2020b). Hierarchical Development of Early Visual-Spatial Abilities – A Taxonomy Based Assessment Using the MaGrid App. Frontiers In Psychology, 11. -> Link Here