Influencia de la actividad física en los procesos cognitivos / Influence of physical activity on cognitive processes

Introducción: Las bases del comportamiento humano y la capacidad de interacción con todo lo que está a su alrededor están fundamentadas en los mecanismos cognitivos. Profundizar en el estudio de los efectos de la actividad física sobre el rendimiento de los mismos posee gran relevancia. Objetivo: Describir la influencia de la actividad física en las funciones y habilidades cognitivas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, Dialnet, PubMed, ERIC, SPORTDiscus y PsycINFO. Luego de aplicar criterios de inclusión/exclusión, fueron seleccionados 62 artículos. Desarrollo: Como respuesta al ejercicio físico, mejora el funcionamiento del metabolismo neuronal y mitocondrial a través de la regulación de vías vasculares, metabólicas e inflamatorias. La actividad física influye positivamente en la plasticidad sináptica, lo cual mejora la función visoespacial, la velocidad de procesamiento, la resolución de problemas, el rendimiento académico, la atención sostenida y la función ejecutiva. Conclusiones: La actividad física influye positivamente en el funcionamiento cerebral y, por tanto, en los procesos cognitivos. Una condición física óptima, así como niveles moderados y vigorosos de actividad física, tienen un impacto favorable en las funciones cognitivas(AU)

Introduction: The bases of human behavior and the ability to interact with the environment are based on cognitive mechanisms. Deepening the study of the effects of physical activity on their performance is highly relevant. Objective: To describe the influence of physical activity on cognitive functions and skills. Methods: A literature review was conducted in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, Dialnet, PubMed, ERIC, SPORTDiscus and PsycINFO. Once the inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, 62 articles were selected. Development: As a response to physical exercise, it improves the functioning of neuronal and mitochondrial metabolism through the regulation of vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory pathways. Physical activity has positive influence on synaptic plasticity, which improves visuospatial function, processing speed, solution of problems, academic performance, sustained attention, and executive function. Conclusions: Physical activity positively influences brain functioning and cognitive processes. Optimum physical condition, as well as moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity, have a favorable impact on cognitive functions(AU)

Actividades recreativas para motivar el aprendizaje de los niños con síndrome de Down / Atividades recreativas para motivar a aprendizagem em crianças com síndrome de Down / Recreational activities to motivate the learning of children with Down síndrome

RESUMEN Las actividades recreativas pueden potenciar diversas variables para la enseñanza de elementos diversos en niños con síndrome de Down, las cuales pueden mejorar la calidad de vida del sujeto, a través de la aplicación científica de estímulos físicos adecuados y adaptados al contexto. El objetivo de esta investigación consistió en validar teóricamente la importancia que revisten las actividades recreativas para motivar el aprendizaje de los niños con síndrome de Down desde diferentes variables de análisis. La investigación es exploratoria, de orientación descriptiva-explicativa y correlacional, se consultan a 31 especialistas de dos grupos independientes (grupo 1: especialistas nacionales: 16 sujetos; grupo 2: especialistas internacionales: 15 sujetos). Se valida la importancia de las actividades recreativas en las habilidades físicas básicas (HFB) y específicas (HFE), la formación de valores (FV), las habilidades cognitivas (HC) y la cultura lúdica (CL). Los criterios emitidos por los grupos independientes no mostraron diferencias significativas en las variables "HFB" (p=0.626), "FV" (p=0.545) y "CL" (p=0.861), y sí en las variables "HFE" (p=0.000) y "HC" (p=0.000). Se evidencia la necesidad de una actualización de conocimientos en los especialistas nacionales en las dos últimas variables descritas. De las variables analizadas, posee una mayor importancia relativa la "HFB", seguida de "HFE", la "FV", la "HC" y la "CL" respectivamente. La presente investigación sentó las bases teóricas para realizar investigaciones prácticas con una alta originalidad para el entorno ecuatoriano. Se prioriza la superación profesional de los especialistas nacionales y la implementación de acciones prospectivas de consideración.

RESUMO As atividades recreativas podem melhorar várias variáveis para o ensino de diversos elementos em crianças com síndrome de Down, o que pode melhorar a qualidade de vida da disciplina, através da aplicação científica de estímulos físicos adequados adaptados ao contexto. O objectivo desta investigação era validar teoricamente a importância das atividades recreativas para motivar a aprendizagem em crianças com síndrome de Down a partir de diferentes variáveis de análise. A investigação é exploratória, descritiva-explicativa e correlativa. Foram consultados 31 especialistas de dois grupos independentes (Grupo 1: Especialistas Nacionais: 16 temas; Grupo 2: Especialistas Internacionais: 15 temas). A importância das atividades recreativas nas competências físicas básicas (BPS) e competências físicas específicas (BPS), formação de valores (VF), competências cognitivas (CS) e cultura lúdica (LC) é validada. Os critérios emitidos pelos grupos independentes não mostraram diferenças significativas nas variáveis "HFB" (p=0,626), "FV" (p=0,545) e "CL" (p=0,861), mas diferenças significativas nas variáveis "HFE" (p=0,000) e "HC" (p=0,000). A necessidade de atualizar os conhecimentos dos especialistas nacionais nas duas últimas variáveis descritas é evidente. Das variáveis analisadas, "HFB" tem a maior importância relativa, seguido por "HFE", "FV" "HC" e "CL" respectivamente. Esta investigação lançou as bases teóricas para a investigação prática com um elevado grau de originalidade para o ambiente equatoriano. É dada prioridade ao aperfeiçoamento profissional dos especialistas nacionais e à implementação de ações prospectivas de consideração.

ABSTRACT Recreational activities can enhance various variables for the teaching of various elements in children with Down syndrome, which can improve the subject's quality of life, through the scientific application of appropriate physical stimuli and adapted to the context. The objective of this research was to theoretically validate the importance of recreational activities to motivate the learning of children with Down syndrome from different analysis variables. The research is exploratory, with a descriptive-explanatory and correlational orientation, 31 specialists from two independent groups are consulted (Group 1: National Specialists: 16 subjects; group 2: international specialists: 15 subjects). The importance of recreational activities in basic (HFB in Spanish) and specific (HFE in Spanish) physical skills, the formation of values (FV in Spanish), cognitive skills (HC in Spanish) and ludic culture (CL in Spanish) is validated. The criteria issued by the independent groups did not show significant differences in the variables "HFB" (p=0.626), "FV" (p=0.545) and "CL" (p=0.861), but in the variables "HFE" ( p=0.000) and "HC" (p=0.000). The need for an update of knowledge in national specialists in the last two variables described is evident. Of the variables analyzed, "HFB" has a greater relative importance, followed by "HFE", "FV", "HC" and "CL" respectively. The present research laid the theoretical foundations to carry out practical researches with a high originality for the Ecuadorian environment. The professional improvement of national specialists and the implementation of prospective actions of consideration are prioritized.

The Influence of 25 Training Sessions on the Decision-Making Skill of U-12 Soccer Players / A Influência de 25 Sessões de Treino na Capacidade de Tomada de Decisão de Jogadores de Futebol Sub-12

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the influence of 25 training sessions on the decision-making skill of U-12 soccer players. The sample was comprised of 25 U-12 soccer players from a first division Brazilian club. Decision making was assessed through the TacticUP® online platform. The 25 training sessions were organized based on the core tactical principles of soccer. There was a positive correlation (r=.413, p=.040) between the performance variation of decision-making and the training time for the offensive principles outside the center of play. It was concluded that training improved the decision-making skill of U-12 soccer players with respect to the tactical principles of width and length without the ball, mobility, and offensive unity.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência de 25 sessões de treino na capacidade de tomada de decisão de jogadores de futebol sub-12. A amostra contou com 25 jogadores de futebol sub-12 de um clube de primeira divisão do Brasil. Avaliou-se a tomada de decisão através da plataforma online TacticUP®. As 25 sessões de treino foram organizadas baseadas nos princípios táticos fundamentais do futebol. Verificou-se correlação positiva (r=0,413, p=0,040) entre a variação do desempenho da tomada de decisão e o tempo de treino para os princípios ofensivos fora do centro de jogo. Conclui-se que o treino melhorou a capacidade de tomada de decisão de jogadores de futebol sub-12, para os princípios de espaço sem bola, mobilidade e unidade ofensiva.

Didática de professores e habilidades cognoscitivas de crianças no início de idade escolar / Didáctica de maestros y habilidades cognoscitivas de niños en inicio de edad escolar / Teacher didactics and children's cognitive skills in early school age

RESUMEN El estudio analizó el vínculo entre la didáctica de maestros y las habilidades cognoscitivas de atención, memoria, velocidad y fluidez verbal en estudiantes de primeros grados de un colegio público en Cúcuta-Colombia. Se propuso un diseño exploratorio concurrente con análisis cualitativo y recolección de datos de fuente mixta, con muestreo intencional de 22 estudiantes y 4 maestras. Se evaluaron habilidades cognoscitivas mediante pruebas neuropsicológicas estandarizadas para Colombia y la didáctica fue explorada mediante entrevista semiestructurada siguiendo categorías de enseñanza, aprendizaje y técnicas. Las habilidades cognoscitivas se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y las entrevistas por análisis de triangulación categorial, concluyendo en los niños sobresaliente memoria-velocidad y disminuida atención y fluidez verbal, hallazgos sobresalientes vinculados a didácticas basadas en uso de fichas de aprendizaje, repetición, mecanización, mientras que los resultados inferiores se asociaron al uso de video y pasatiempos.

RESUMO O estudo analisou a relação entre a didática de professores e as habilidades cognoscitivas de atenção, memória, velocidade e fluidez verbal em estudantes de primeiros anos de uma escola pública em Cúcuta - Colômbia. Utilizou-se um roteiro exploratório junto com análises qualitativa e levantamento de dados de fonte mista, com amostra intencional de 22 estudantes e 4 professores. Avaliaram-se habilidades cognoscitivas mediante testes neuropsicológicos normatizados para Colômbia e a didática foi explorada mediante entrevista semiestruturada seguindo categorias de ensino, aprendizagem e técnicas. As habilidades cognoscitivas foram analisadas mediante estatística descritiva e as entrevistas por análise de triangulação categorial, concluindo-se nas crianças importantes memória-velocidade e diminuída atenção e fluidez verbal, achados marcantes vinculados a didáticas baseadas no uso de fichas de aprendizagem, repetição, mecanização, enquanto os resultados inferiores foram associados ao uso de vídeo e passatempos.

ABSTRACT The study analyzed the relationship between teacher didactics and cognitive skills of attention, memory, speed and verbal fluidity in first-year students of a public school in Cúcuta-Colombia. An exploratory script was used, together with qualitative analysis and mixed-source data collection, with an intentional sample of 22 students and 4 teachers. Cognitive abilities were evaluated through neuropsychological tests standardized for Colombia, and didactics were explored through semi-structured interviews following categories of teaching, learning and techniques. Cognitive skills were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interviews by categorical triangulation analysis, concluding in important children memory-speed and reduced attention and verbal fluidity, remarkable findings linked to didactics based on the use of learning sheets, repetition, mechanization, while lower results were associated with the use of video and hobbies.

Juego, plasticidad cerebral y habilidades cognitivas / Game, brain plasticity and cognitive skills

La actividad de jugar es importante dentro del desarrollo humano, mientras se juega, se ponen en práctica distintas habilidades cognitivas en interacción con el funcionamiento de sistemas sensoriales y el sistema motor del cuerpo, lo cual se asocia a la construcción de aprendizajes. Jugar es una actividad que facilita comprender cómo es el mundo y cómo nos integramos en él. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo desarrollar una reflexión sobre la relación del juego con la plasticidad cerebral y el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas. La hipótesis se centra en destacar el juego como una actividad que estimula la plasticidad cerebral y facilita el fortalecimiento de las habilidades cognitivas en todas las etapas del ciclo vital (no exclusivamente en la infancia). La guía de la cavilación consistió en una revisión del concepto de juego relacionado con conceptos de aprovechamiento de la plasticidad cerebral y estimulación de habilidades mentales. El propósito que ha orientado el artículo es convocar a la reflexión sobre la concepción y práctica del juego, con la intención de sumar a posicionar la actividad de jugar como una estrategia valiosa en los procesos de aprendizaje. El interés de los resultados se centra en dar sustento teórico a la acción de promover cada vez más la inclusión del juego en las intervenciones profesionales, en los procesos educativos y en las actividades de la vida cotidiana. La conclusión a la que se llega es que jugar resulta una excelente estrategia para facilitar la expresión de la plasticidad cerebral y las habilidades cognitivas.

The activity of playing is important within human development, while playing, different cognitive skills are put into practice in interaction with the functioning of sensory systems and the body's motor system, which is associated with the construction of learning. Playing is an activity thatmakes it easier to understand what the world is like and how we integrate ourselves into it. The present article aims to develop a reflection on the relationship between play and brain plasticity and the development of cognitive abilities. The hypothesis focuses on highlighting play as an activity that stimulates brain plasticity and facilitates the strengthening of cognitive abilities at all stages of the life cycle (not exclusively in childhood). The musing guide consisted of a review of the concept of play related to concepts of making use of brain plasticity and stimulating mental abilities. The purpose of the article is to call for reflection on the conception and practice of the game, with the intention of adding to position the activity of playing as a valuable strategy in the learning processes. The interest of the results is centered on giving theoretical support to the action of increasingly promoting the inclusion of the game in professional interventions, in educational processes and in activities of daily life. The conclusion reached is that playing is an excellent strategy to facilitate the expression of brain plasticity and cognitive abilities.

Construction and validity evidence of a Socioemotional Skills Scale for University Students / Construção e evidências de validade de uma Escala de Competências Socioemocionais para Universitários / Construcción y evidencias de validez de una Escala de Habilidades Socioemocionales para Estudiantes Universitarios

The aim of this study was to construct and investigate validity evidence for a measure of socioemotional skills for university students. Of the 60 items initially designed to represent six factors of the construct, 42 of them showed theoretical consistency. To analyze the structure of the instrument, exploratory factor analysis was carried out, based on the application of the instrument with 365 students. The analysis revealed six factors that presented groupings of items theoretically consistent with the definitions of the proposed hypothetical model: Self-Management of Emotions, Social Awareness, Responsible Decision-Making, Perseverance, Emotional Self-Awareness and Relationship Skills. The final structure, with 35 items, was able to explain 45.16% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed, based on the application of the instrument with 712 undergraduate students. The proposed structural model was confirmed, with adequate fit indices. Precision indices varied between .69 and .78. It is suggested that further studies investigate other types of validity evidence. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi construir e buscar evidências de validade de uma medida de competências socioemocionais para estudantes universitários. Dentre 60 itens inicialmente elaborados para representar seis fatores do construto, 42 deles apresentaram consistência teórica. Para análise da estrutura fatorial do instrumento, realizou-se uma análise fatorial exploratória, a partir da aplicação do instrumento em 365 estudantes universitários. A análise revelou seis fatores que apresentaram agrupamentos de itens teoricamente consistentes com as definições do modelo hipotético proposto: Autogerenciamento das Emoções, Consciência Social, Tomada de Decisão Responsável, Perseverança, Autoconsciência Emocional e Habilidades de Relacionamento. A estrutura final foi capaz de explicar 45,16% da variância total, a partir de 35 itens. Posteriormente, procedeu-se a uma análise fatorial confirmatória, a partir da aplicação do instrumento em 712 estudantes de graduação. O modelo estrutural proposto foi confirmado, apresentando índices de ajuste adequados. Os índices de precisão variaram entre 0,69 e 0,78. Sugere-se que novos estudos busquem outros tipos de evidências de validade. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue construir y buscar evidencias validez de una medida de habilidades socioemocionales para estudiantes universitarios. Entre los 60 ítems inicialmente desarrollados para representar seis factores del constructo, 42 de ellos mostraron consistencia teórica. Para analizar la estructura factorial del instrumento, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio, basado en la aplicación del instrumento a 365 estudiantes. El análisis reveló seis factores que presentaron agrupaciones de ítems teóricamente consistentes con las definiciones del modelo propuesto: Autogestión de las Emociones, Conciencia Social, Toma Responsable de Decisiones, Perseverancia, Autoconciencia Emocional y Habilidades de Relación. La estructura final fue capaz de explicar el 45,16% de la varianza total, basada en 35 ítems. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio, basado en la aplicación del instrumento a 712 estudiantes de grado. Los índices de precisión variaron entre 0,69 y 0,78. Se confirmó el modelo estructural, con índices de ajuste adecuados. Se sugiere que los estudios adicionales busquen otros tipos de evidencias de validez. (AU)

El aprendizaje de la física centrado en el estudiante, desde el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas / Student-Centered Physics Learning, from the Problem-Based Learning

Introducción: este artículo le presenta a los maestros de ciencias naturales una estrategia didáctica para ubicar a los estudiantes en el centro del proceso de aprendizaje de la física. Objetivo: fortalecer el Componente Entorno Físico a través del Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP), en los estudiantes del grado 9° de la I.E. la Ribera de Montería, Córdoba Colombia. Como objetivos específicos, diseñar una estrategia didáctica desde el APB, aplicarla, y analizar las apreciaciones de los estudiantes frente a ésta. Metodología: se empleó una metodología cualitativa con diseño descriptivo. Resultados: en el diseño de la estrategia se considera como clave, la construcción de la guía, por cuanto es ella, quien va a direccionar todo el escenario en el que se enmarca el ABP. En la aplicación del ABP se instala el enfoque Constructivista en donde el maestro actúa como el diseñador del escenario y el estudiante como constructor de su propio conocimiento, poniéndose en acción el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas, cognoscitivas, metacognitivas, y toda una plataforma axiológica. Con relación a las apreciaciones de los estudiantes frente a la estrategia aplicada, estos resaltan las bondades del APB desde cada uno de sus pasos; otorgándole un alto valor a la comprobación de las hipótesis y al trabajo en equipo. Conclusiones: se considera que el ABP permite la comprensión y aprendizaje de la física, gracias a la epistemología, didáctica, y otros elementos sustantivos de este método.

Introduction: this article presents natural science teachers with a teaching strategy to place students at the center of the physics learning process. Objective: to strengthen the Physical Environment Component through Problem-Based Learning (PBL), in 9th grade students of the I.E. la Ribera de Montería, Córdoba Colombia. As specific objectives; to design a didactic strategy from the PBL, apply it, and analyze the students' appreciations regarding it. Methodology: Qualitative methodology with descriptive design. Results: in the design of the strategy, it is considered the construction of the guide as key, since it is which directs the entire scenario in which the PBL is framed. In the application of the PBL, the Constructivist approach is installed where the teacher acts as the designer of the scenario and the student as a constructor of their own knowledge, putting into action the development of cognitive, cognitive, metacognitive skills, and a whole axiological platform. In relation to the students' appreciations regarding the applied strategy, they highlight the benefits of the PBL from each of its steps; giving high value to hypothesis testing and teamwork. Conclusions: it is considered that the PBL allows the understanding and learning of physics, thanks to the epistemology, didactics, and other substantive elements of this method.

Destrezas cognitivas en menores infractores, de protección y normalizados: un estudio de contraste / Cognitive skills in juvenile offenders, protection normalized youngsters: A contrastive study

Resumen Con el objetivo de conocer si los déficits en las destrezas cognitivas son una característica común de los menores infractores y de protección (en riesgo de desviación) y diferencial de la población de menores normalizada, se diseñó un estudio de campo. Para ello, se evaluaron la inteligencia emocional, el afrontamiento, la atribución de responsabilidad y el autoconcepto, a 450 menores colombianos entre 14 y 19 años: 150 menores infractores, 150 menores de protección y 150 de población normalizada. Los resultados mostraron que los menores infractores y los de protección tenían un déficit en atención a las emociones (inteligencia emocional), recurren más a estrategias desadaptativas para la resolución de problemas y comparten una definición negativa de sí mismos, y están menos satisfechos consigo mismos y de su comportamiento. No obstante, no se observa un sesgo hacia la atribución externa de la responsabilidad. Finalmente, se cuantifica porcentualmente la magnitud de los daños en las destrezas cognitivas. Se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados para la intervención con menores infractores y el diseño de programas de prevención con menores de protección.

Abstract A field study was designed with the aim of knowing if deficits in cognitive skills a common characteristic of the juvenile offenders and protection youngsters are i.e., children under social services protection (in risk of deviation), and a differential from normalized population. As for these 450 Colombian youngsters (150 juvenile offenders, 150 protection youngsters, and 150 from the normal population), aged from 14 to 19 years, were assessed in emotional intelligence, coping, responsivity attribution, and self-concept. The results showed that juvenile offenders and youngsters under protection had deficit in attention to the emotions (emotional intelligence), used more maladaptive strategies for problems solving, and shared a negative definition of their selves, were less satisfied with their sleeves and with their behaviour. Nonetheless, the expected bias to external responsivity attribution was not observed. Finally, the magnitude of the damages in cognitive skills was quantified. The implications of the results for the intervention with juvenile offenders and the design and implementation of prevention programs with protection youngsters are discussed.

Early detection of learning difficulties using the BADyG-E2r Battery during primary education

Abstract The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive capacity of several of the most relevant cognitive skills in the academic field that were evaluated using Differential and General Skills Battery(BADyG-E2r). Particular attention was focused on the variables that need to be overcome regarding the curricular objectives related to pass/fail grading as evaluated by the teachers in the instrumental disciplines of Mathematics and Language. The psychometric battery was applied to the 3rd year students in primary education (a total of 512 students) at 4 public schools that were randomly selected in the province of Alicante (Spain). A follow-up of their academic evolution was under taken until the end of primary education. The obtained results show that high scores in Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Verbal Syllogisms positively and significantly predict academic success at the end of primary education in the subjects of Language and Mathematics.

Vocal training technology for children with delayed psychoverbal development

The relevance of this research is based on the fact that delayed psychoverbal development is very common is very common in modern children. The problems caused by delayed psychoverbal development accompany many pathologies connected with the development of the nervous system. Therefore, the issues of providing help and training to such children are becoming increasingly relevant both in Russian and foreign pedagogy. The article looks at some aspects of the vocal training technology used in work with children who have delays in psychoverbal development in order to improve the level of their cognitive and communicative skills, develop their thinking, speech, memory and empathy and overcome psychological difficulties. Research methods include theoretical works by Russian psychologists and a pedagogical experiment in vocal training of children with health problems.

Destrezas académicas y velocidad de procesamiento. Modelos predictivos del rendimiento escolar en básica primaria / Academic skills and processing speed. Predictive models of school achievement in primary school

Resumen El modelo de inteligencia de Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) propone que los procesos cognitivos que componen la inteligencia pueden conceptualizarse como habilidades específicas, implicadas en tareas particulares, y habilidades generales, relacionadas con una amplia cantidad de contextos. Entre las habilidades más estudiadas bajo este modelo se encuentra la velocidad de procesamiento, identificada como uno de los mejores predictores del rendimiento académico y de la capacidad cognitiva general. En este artículo se presentan los resultados del análisis de la relación entre la velocidad de procesamiento y rendimiento académico general. Se evaluó una muestra de 223 estudiantes (53% mujeres) de Preescolar y básica primaria. Los resultados muestran una diferencia en la capacidad predictiva del componente perceptual (β =.76, p < .001) y conceptual (β =.09; p = .121) de la velocidad de procesamiento en procesos académicos básicos de lectura y matemática, así como ajustes similares en modelos de regresión a partir de su conceptualización como habilidad general (R2 = .68) o específica (R2 = .69). El análisis de la relación grado a grado mostró cambios en la capacidad predictiva de la velocidad de procesamiento sobre las habilidades académicas conforme avanza el proceso educativo, apoyando modelos previamente establecidos en el área (Cai, Li & Deng, 2013; Demetriou, Spanodius & Shayer, 2014). Finalmente, es generó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (X 2=1.431; p=.232; CFI=1.000; TLI=.999; NFI=.999; RFI=.996; RMSEA=.044) que permitió probar el ajuste de los modelos propuestos a los datos.

Abstract The Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) intelligence model proposes that the cognitive processes that make up intelligence can be conceptualized as specific skills, involved in particular tasks, and general skills, related to a wide variety of contexts. Among the most studied skills under this model is the speed of processing, identified as one of the best predictors of academic performance and general cognitive ability. This article presents the results of the analysis of the relationship between processing speed and general academic performance. A sample of 223 students (53% women) of preschool and primary school was evaluated. The results show a difference in the predictive capacity of the perceptual component (β = .76, p < .001) and conceptual (β = .09; p = .121) of the processing speed in basic academic processes of reading and mathematics, as well as similar adjustments in regression models from their conceptualization as general (R 2 = .68) or specific (R 2 = .69) ability. The analysis of the grade-to-grade relationship showed changes in the predictive capacity of processing speed over academic skills as the educational process progresses, supporting previously established models in the area (Cai, Li & Deng, 2013; Demetriou, Spanodius & Shayer, 2014). Finally, a model of structural equations (X 2 = 1.431, p = .232, CFI = 1.000, TLI = .999, NFI = .999, RFI = .996, RMSEA = .044) was used to prove the adjustment of the proposed models to data.

Effects of peppermint, chewing gum on memory, cognition, alertness, reaction time, arithmetic skills and athletic performance during laboratory induced stress in undergraduate medical students

Background: Many medical students are dealing with day to day stress in their lives and they need to be both physically and mentally active to counter and overcome their daily problems. In such scenario, a non-pharmacological adjunct could prove useful to counter all of it so that they can work more efficiently. Many universities do recommend the use of peppermints and chewing gums. This study is conducted to see if any of these items actually have an influence on cognitive and physical abilities.Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial was performed on the undergraduate medical students of N.K.P. Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre belonging to the age group of 18-21 years. They were given normal flavoured gum, mint flavoured gum and peppermint. A series of cognitive and physiological tests in both stressful and stress free environments were performed.Results: Consumption of peppermint in a stressful environment showed increase in attention span of the subjects and it increased the intelligence Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-R (WAIS-R) in both stress free and stressful environments. As compared to normal gum, peppermint and peppermint gum proved to be more effective. There was no significant change observed in alertness, reaction time, arithmetic ability, short term memory and fatigue index in any of the subjects.Conclusions: Peppermint has caused increase in the attention span and intelligence of medical students in a stressful work scenario. Peppermint gum was found to be more beneficial than normal gum.

Evaluación de la incorporación de un foro virtual por redes sociales entre estudiantes de odontología chilenos / Assessment of the incorporation of a virtual forum through social media among Chilean dental students

Resumen Introducción: Las redes sociales son cada vez más usadas en la enseñanza debido a su facilidad de uso, familiarización, accequibilidad, siendo posible el intercambio de información de manera instantánea y fácil desde teléfonos inteligentes. Por ello se diseñó y creó un foro virtual mediante un grupo cerrado de Facebook que funcionó de manera paralela a la asignatura. Objetivo: Evaluar la opinión de los estudiantes en relación al desarrollo de las habilidades actitudinales, cognitivas, autorreguladoras y metacognitivas mediante el foro virtual implementado, además de su percepción con respecto a la plataforma de Facebook. Metodología: Estudio transversal descriptivo de tipo mixto. Cuantitativo con la aplicación de una encuesta de opinión tipo Likert creada por Andrei Fedorov (2008) y cualitativo mediante cuatro grupos focales. Participaron 68 estudiantes (28 hombres y 40 mujeres), que cursaron la asignatura Diagnóstico Integrado el año 2017, correspondiendo al 100% de ellos. Resultados: Para el 70% de las preguntas la opción más seleccionada fue -bastante-; a excepción de cuatro de la dimensión actitudinal donde la más frecuente fue -un poco-. Destacaron la plataforma de Facebook como una excelente idea para incentivar el aprendizaje, ofreciendo más ventajas que otras plataformas. Las desventajas mencionadas surgieron de los estudiantes con menor participación y regular/bajo rendimiento. Conclusión: El foro virtual, por medio de Facebook, permitió mejorar las dimensiones actitudinal, cognitiva, autorreguladora y metacognitiva, principalmente en mujeres y en aquellos que participaron más, obteniendo mejor rendimiento. Resultó ser una mejor plataforma virtual dada que es amigable, masiva e instantánea incentivando la motivación del estudiante.

Abstract Introduction: Social networks are increasingly used in education due to its ease of use, familiarization, accessibility, making it possible to exchange information instantly and easily from smartphones. For this reason, a virtual forum was designed and created through a closed group of Facebook that worked in parallel with the subject. Objective: To evaluate the opinion of students in relation to the development of attitudinal, cognitive, self-regulatory and metacognitive skills through the virtual forum implemented, as well as their perception regarding the Facebook platform. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study of mixed type. Quantitative with the application of a Likert opinion survey created by Andrei Fedorov (2008) and qualitative through four focus groups. 68 students participated (28 men and 40 women), who took the Integrated Diagnostic course in 2017, corresponding to 100% of them. Results: For 70% of the questions, the most selected option was -quite-; except for four of the attitudinal dimension where the most frequent was -a little-. They highlighted the Facebook platform as an excellent idea to encourage learning, offering more advantages than other platforms. The mentioned disadvantages arose from students with less participation and regular / low performance. Conclusion: The virtual forum, through Facebook, allowed to improve the attitudinal, cognitive, self-regulating and metacognitive dimensions, mainly in women and in those who participated more, obtaining better performance. It turned out to be a better virtual platform given that it is friendly, massive and instantaneous which encourages student motivation.

Fotografía y discapacidad intelectual: estudio sobre el reconocimiento emocional a través de talleres de fotografía en personas con discapacidad intelectual / Photography and intellectual disability: a study on emotional recognition through photography workshops for people with intellectual disabilities

El presente estudio busca explorar el reconocimiento de emociones en personas con discapacidad intelectual. El reconocimiento de emociones es importante para una correcta interacción social. Esto hace que la estimulación y desarrollo de estas habilidades sea in-dispensable para generar vínculos nuevos, comprender el medio en el cual se encuentra el sujeto y la adquisición de un conocimiento positivo gracias al aprendizaje social. En esta investigación se empleó la fotografía como un medio de expresión y de mejoramiento de habilidades cognitivas y sociales. La evaluación fue realizada mediante un test previamente creado para población ecuatoriana. Los objetivos de este estudio intentan comprobar si: a. Las personas con discapacidad intelectual presentan mayores problemas en el reconocimiento de emociones que la población general, y: b. Aprender fotografía mejora el reconocimiento de emociones en personas con discapacidad intelectual. En lo que respecta al método, esta investigación utiliza un diseño pre-experimental con medidas pre-post, contando con una intervención que fue realizada en un periodo de 4 meses y medio, mediante capacitaciones de dos horas de duración dirigidas a cincuenta personas con discapacidad leve y moderada. Se obtiene como principales resultados que: a. Existe diferencia significativa (X2= 37.29 P < 0,001) entre grupo control y personas con discapacidad intelectual para reconocer emociones. b. Hay una mejoría significativa en el factor de reconocimiento emocional, lo que a su vez permite concluir que la fotografía es una herramienta alternativa para estimular el reconocimiento de emociones en la discapacidad intelectual.

The present study aims to explore emotion recognition in people with intellectual disabilities. Emotion recognition is an important skill to generate adequate social interactions. Thus, the stimulation and development of these skills are essential to build new relations-hips, understand the environment in which the subject develops and acquire a positive knowledge through social learning. In this re-search, photography was used as a tool for expression and improvement of cognitive and social skills. The evaluation was carried out through a test previously created specifically for the Ecuadorian population. The purposes of this study attempt to confirm if: a. People with intellectual disabilities have more difficulties in recognizing emotions than the general population, and: b. Studying photography improves emotion recognition skills in people with intellectual disabilities. Regarding the method, this study uses a pre-experimental design with pre-post measurements, with an intervention of 4 months and a half through two-hour training aimed at fifty subjects with minor and moderate intellectual disabilities. The main results show that: a. There is a significant difference (X

Competências socioemocionais: análise da produção científica nacional e internacional / Socioemotional skills: analysis of brazilian and international scientific production

As competências socioemocionais têm sido, cada vez mais, foco de estudos desenvolvidos nas mais diversas áreas. Considerando-se sua relevância nos resultados pessoais, educacionais e laborais, o presente estudo buscou realizar uma análise da produção científica nacional e internacional na temática. Uma consulta aos bancos de dados nacionais (SciELO, Pepsic e Banco de Teses e Dissertações da Capes) e ao banco internacional (Wiley Online Library), no período de 2011 a 2015, apontou a existência de 67 artigos, sendo a maior parte deles provenientes da base internacional (n=50). Os resultados mostraram, de maneira geral, oscilação no interesse pela temática ao longo do período analisado, focados na área da Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e Educação. Cinco temas predominantes foram encontrados: aspectos sociais, características de personalidade, fatores de risco e proteção no desenvolvimento, indicadores de sucesso escolar e profissional e aspectos cognitivos. A maior parte dos trabalhos eram de natureza empírica e fizeram uso de 23 diferentes instrumentos, notadamente em amostras de crianças. O número pequeno de estudos nacionais apontou para uma temática que merece ser mais bem explorada, notadamente pela Psicologia e pela área da avaliação psicológica.

Socioemotional competences have increasingly been the focus of studies carried out in several areas. Considering their relevance in personal, educational and professional results, the present study sought to make an analysis of the Brazilian and international scientific production in this area. A search in national databases (SciELO, Pepsic and Banco de Teses e Dissertações da Capes) and an international database (Wiley Online Library), from 2011 to 2015, pointed out the existence of 67 articles, most of which from the international database (n = 50). Overall, the results showed an oscillation in the interest in the theme over the analyzed period, focused on the area of ​​Developmental and Educational Psychology. Five predominant themes were found: social aspects, personality characteristics, risk and protection developmental factors, indicators of school and professional success, and cognitive aspects. Most of the studies were empirical and made use of 23 different instruments, notably in samples of children. The small number of Brazilian studies suggests a topic that deserves to be better explored, notably by Psychology and the field of psychological assessment.

Compreensão de leitura: Habilidades cognitivas e tipos de texto / Reading comprehension: Cognitive abilities and types of text / Comprensión lectora: Las habilidades cognitivas y tipos de texto

Investigações acerca da compreensão de leitura vêm permitindo ampliar o conhecimento na área da leitura, demonstrando a contribuição de diversas habilidades metalinguísticas e cognitivas para seu desenvolvimento. Nesse sentido, este estudo buscou examinar quais habilidades metalinguísticas e cognitivas, avaliadas no início do ano letivo do segundo ano do Ensino Fundamental, poderiam ser associadas ao desenvolvimento da compreensão de leitura ao final do ano escolar, assim como a possível variação entre essas habilidades conforme a tipologia textual empregada. Foi avaliada a compreensão de leitura, nos tipos textuais narrativo e expositivo, e as seguintes habilidades: nomeação automatizada rápida, consciência fonológica no nível fonêmico, memória de trabalho, a habilidade verbal, vocabulário, consciência morfológica, precisão de leitura e de monitoramento da compreensão. Os resultados encontrados revelaram que a consciência fonêmica, a nomeação seriada rápida para objetos e o monitoramento contribuíram para a compreensão de leitura nos dois tipos de texto.

Studies on reading comprehension have been expanding the knowledge in the reading area, demonstrating the contribution of several linguistic-cognitive skills for its development. The study presented here examined which linguistic-cognitive skills, evaluated at the beginning of the school year at the second year of elementary school, could be associated with the development of reading comprehension at the end of the school year, as well as the variations between these skills according to the types of text. This research evaluated reading comprehension in narrative and expository text types, and also the following cognitive skills: rapid automatized naming, phonological awareness in phonemic level, working memory, verbal ability, vocabulary, morphological awareness, reading accuracy and monitoring comprehension. The results showed that phonemic awareness, rapid serial naming (objects) and comprehension monitoring contributed to reading comprehension in both text types.

Las investigaciones acerca de la comprensión de la lectura han expandido el conocimiento en el área de lectura, lo que demuestra la contribución de diferentes habilidades cognitivo lingüísticas para su desarrollo. Este estudio se dedica a analizar qué habilidades cognitivo lingüísticas, evaluadas al inicio del año escolar del segundo año de primaria, podrían estar asociadas al desarrollo de la comprensión lectora al final del año escolar, así como la posible variación entre estas habilidades de acuerdo a la tipología del texto. Esta investigación evaluó, la comprensión lectora para los tipos de textos narrativos y expositivos, y las siguientes habilidades: nombramiento automatizado rápido, la conciencia fonológica en el nivel del fonema, la memoria de trabajo, la capacidad verbal, el vocabulario, la conciencia morfológica, la precisión de lectura y el monitoreo de la comprensión. Los resultados mostraron que la conciencia fonológica, el rápido nombramiento de serie de objetos y monitoreo contribuyeron a la comprensión de la lectura en ambos tipos de texto.

Análise das Interações Dialógicas e Habilidades Cognitivas desenvolvidas durante a aplicação de um jogo didático no ensino de química / Analysis of Dialogical Interactions and Cognitive Skills developed during the application of a didactic game in chemistry teaching

Dente as metodologias que buscam estimular a participação dos estudantes, tornando-os ativos na construção do conhecimento, podem-se destacar os jogos didáticos. Estes vêm sendo abordados em diversas pesquisas como ferramenta facilitadora da compreensão de conceitos químicos. Na maioria dos trabalhos envolvendo jogos para o ensino, os objetivos de construção do conhecimento ou aprendizado não são avaliados, o que desvaloriza a ferramenta como uma boa alternativa para o ensino-aprendizagem. No presente trabalho, buscou-se criar, aplicar e avaliar um jogo didático, analisando as interações dialógicas utilizadas pela professora durante sua mediação e as habilidades cognitivas apresentadas pelos estudantes durante a aplicação do jogo. Foram feitas análises em uma turma do ensino médio de uma escola pública em Lavras, MG. As aulas foram gravadas em áudio, transcritas e analisadas. Os resultados mostram que houve manifestações de habilidades cognitivas de alta ordem pelos alunos, porém a maior parte das falas foi de baixa ordem. Uma justificativa para estes resultados está nas interações dialógicas da professora, a qual entregava conclusões prontas, sem possibilitar a utilização de habilidades cognitivas de ordem superior.

It is possible to highlight the educational gamesamong the methodologies that aims to stimulate the students participation, which make them actives in the construction of the knowledge. They are addressed in several researches as a tool that facilitates the discussion and the understanding of chemical concepts. In most studies involving educational games, the goals of construction knowledge and learning are not evaluated or are absent, which decrease it is value as a good alternative for teaching-learning process. For the present study, we aim to create, implement and evaluate an educational game, analyzing the dialogical interactions used by the teacher during their mediation and the cognitive skills showed by the students during the game application. Analyzes were performed on a class of a public igh school at Lavras, MG. The classes were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed. The results shown demonstrations of high order cognitive skills by the students, but the majorities of the arguments were of low order. A justification for these results were found by analyzing the teacher’s dialogic interactions, which delivered ready conclusions to the students, without enabling students to use the higher order cognitive skills.

La percepción del habla durante el primer año de vida / Speech Perception in the First Year of Life

La adquisición del lenguaje implica una serie de habilidades complejas que evolucionan y se correlacionan haciendo que quien aprende por primera vez a hablar -o a expresarse mediante el lenguaje de señas- alcance los mejores resultados con el mínimo esfuerzo, siempre y cuando lo haga en el lapso de tiempo adecuado. En este sentido, se ha propuesto que la percepción temprana del habla tiene un papel primordial en la adquisición del lenguaje. En este artículo se presentan los resultados de las investigaciones más relevantes sobre la discriminación de clases y tipos de palabras, la discriminación prosódica e interidiomática, la discriminación fonológica y fonotáctica y el reconocimiento de regularidades de distribución entre los elementos de la señal del habla, con el fin de brindar un panorama del conocimiento científico actual sobre las capacidades de los menores de un año para percibir el lenguaje hablado.

Language acquisition involves a number of complex skills that evolve in correlation with each other, thus making it possible for learners of their first spoken language -or sign language- to achieve the best results with minimal effort, as long as they do so within the appropriate period of time. In this regard, it is proposed that early speech perception has a primary role in language acquisition. In order to provide an overview of the current scientific knowledge as to the capabilities of children under the age of one to perceive spoken language, this paper presents the results of the most relevant research on discrimination of classes and types of words, interidiomatic and prosodic discrimination, phonological and phonotactic discrimination, as well as recognition of distributional regularities amongst the elements of the speech signal.

Habilidades socio-cognitivas infantiles para resolver problemas junto a sus pares / Socio-cognitive skills children to solve problems with peers

Se presenta un estudio piloto cuyo propósito fue analizar la eficacia de un programa de intervención psico-educativo que promueva la resolución pacífica de los conflictos entre pares en la escuela. Los participantes fueron 117 niños y niñas de 9 a 11 años, de 4to y 5to año de primaria, quienes fueron evaluados según sus relaciones socio-afectivas en el aula, sus estatus grupales (popularidad, rechazo, aislamiento) y sus comportamientos. La intervención psico-educativa se realizó en las aulas durante tres meses en coordinación con los maestros. Los resultados mostraron que el entrenamiento en habilidades socio-cognitivas resultó efectivo para la disminución de las repuestas agresivas a través de la utilización alternativa de otras conductas y la anticipación para resolver conflictos interpersonales.

This pilot research aims firstly, to evaluate the group status (popularity, rejection, and isolation) related to dysfunctional behaviors, and secondly, to analyze the efficiency of an intervention program to promote the peaceful resolution of interpersonal problems. Socio-emotional relationship and behavior of 117 boys /girls aged between 9 to 11 year old of 4th and 5th grade were evaluated. A psycho-educational intervention program was implemented and assessed pre and post intervention. The results showed that the socio-cognitive skills training were effective to reduce the aggressive response through other alternative behaviors and the early decision process to solve peer conflicts.

Las habilidades cognitivas en niños preescolares: un estudio comparativo en un contexto de pobreza / Cognitive skills in pre-school children. A comparative study in a context of poverty / Habilidades cognitivas em pré-escolares. Um estudo comparativo em um contexto de pobreza

Con el propósito de describir las habilidades cognitivas simultáneas y secuenciales de niños en situación de pobreza de San Miguel de Tucumán (Argentina), se evaluaron 283 niños de 3 a 5 años que concurrían a control pediátrico a Centros de Atención Primaria de la Salud. Las habilidades cognitivas se discriminaron a partir de la Batería de Evaluación de Kaufman para niños (K-ABC). Además se administró una encuesta sociodemográfica a sus padres. Los análisis estadísticos multivariados mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el desempeño cognitivo según los niveles de pobreza en los grupos de 4 y 5 años, particularmente en las habilidades secuenciales. El estudio aporta datos de particular interés por su utilidad en la planificación de los currículos escolares en el nivel inicial.

In order to describe the sequential and simultaneous cognitive skills of children under poverty conditions in San Miguel de Tucuman (Argentina), 283 children between 3 and 5 years old who attended Primary Health Care Centres for paediatric control were assessed. The cognitive skills were identified with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC). Additionally, a socio-demographic survey was administered to their parents. The multivaried statistical analyses showed significant differences in the children's cognitive performance according to poverty levels in the 4-and 5-year-old groups, particularly in sequential skills. The study provides data that are particularly useful for planning school curricula in the pre-school level.

Para descrever as habilidades cognitivas simultâneas e seqüenciais de crianças em situação de pobreza em San Miguel de Tucumán (Argentina), foram avaliadas 283 crianças de 3 a 5 anos que assistiam a controle pediátrico em centros de Cuidados de Saúde Primários. As habilidades cognitivas foram discriminadas aplicando a Bateria de Avaliação de Kaufman para crianças (K-ABC). Além disso, os seus pais responderam um levantamento demográfico. A análise estatística multivariada mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas no desempenho cognitivo de acordo com os níveis de pobreza em grupos de 4 e 5 anos, sobretudo nas habilidades seqüenciais. Este estudo fornece dados de interesse particular para a sua utilidade no planejamento de currículos escolares de ensino inicial.