title: Teachers' Beliefs and Practices Regarding the Role of Executive Functions in Reading and Arithmetic.
abstract: The current study investigated early elementary school teachers' beliefs and practices regarding the role of Executive Functions (EFs) in reading and arithmetic. A new research questionnaire was developed and judged by professionals in the academia and the field. Reponses were obtained from 144 teachers from Israel. Factor analysis divided the questionnaire into three valid and reliable subscales, reflecting (1) beliefs regarding the contribution of EFs to reading and arithmetic, (2) pedagogical practices, and (3) a connection between the cognitive mechanisms of reading and arithmetic. Findings indicate that teachers believe EFs affect students' performance in reading and arithmetic. These beliefs were also correlated with pedagogical practices. Additionally, special education teachers' scored higher on the different subscales compared to general education teachers. These findings shed light on the way teachers perceive the cognitive foundations of reading and arithmetic and indicate to which extent these perceptions guide their teaching practices.
authors: The Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Centre for the Study of Learning Disabilities, Department of Learning Disabilities and Special Education, University of Haifa Haifa, Israel.
authors: Shirley
authors: S
authors: Rapoport
authors: The Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Centre for the Study of Learning Disabilities, Department of Learning Disabilities and Special Education, University of Haifa Haifa, Israel.
authors: Orly
authors: O
authors: Rubinsten
authors: The Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Centre for the Study of Learning Disabilities, Department of Learning Disabilities and Special Education, University of Haifa Haifa, Israel.
authors: Tami
authors: T
authors: Katzir
keywords: arithmetic; executive functions; pedagogical practices; reading