The validity of learning potential for predicting educational adjustment in preschoolers with Down syndrome: A longitudinal study.

Learning Potential tests aim to assess cognitive functioning using mediation strategies by observing subsequent changes in learning patterns. In this study, this methodology was applied with the Preschool Learning Potential and Abilities Scale and two additional tests, the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test and the Battery of Aptitudes for School Learning I, to a total of 58 children with Down Syndrome, at four and six years of age. The results demonstrate improvements in general intelligence, learning potential, and school aptitudes between the two timepoints. There was a significant, positive relationship between the variables measured in the different tests, as well as on the predictive variables of school aptitudes, in these children at six years of age. There is evidence that supports the use of this dynamic evaluation methodology, opening new fields of action in child evaluation processes.

The Relationship between Learning Potential in Preschool Children and their Cognitive Abilities / La relación entre el potencial de aprendizaje en niños de preescolar y sus habilidades cognitivas

Learning potential can be used to assess and provide direction for action in diverse populations in modern educational settings. This study examined the relationship between the EHPAP dynamic evaluation scale and cognitive abilities (linguistic development, specific cognitive abilities, and executive functioning) in typically developing preschool children. Linear regression models indicated that children’s cognitive abilities formed part of the prediction of their independent performance in tasks before and after mediation. The abilities that formed part of the predictions were related to general linguistic development, specific cognitive functions, and executive functioning. Age as a predictive factor only contributed to verbal planning. This study examined the contribution of these variables in different EHPAP scales. (AU)

El potencial de aprendizaje se puede utilizar para evaluar y orientar la acción en diversas poblaciones en entornos educativos modernos. Este estudio analiza la relación entre la escala de evaluación dinámica EHPAP y las habilidades cognitivas (desarrollo lingüístico, habilidades cognitivas específicas y funcionamiento ejecutivo) en niños en edad preescolar con un desarrollo típico. Los modelos de regresión lineal indican que las habilidades cognitivas de los niños forman parte de la predicción de su desempeño independiente en tareas antes y después de la mediación. Las habilidades que formaban parte de las predicciones estaban relacionadas con el desarrollo lingüístico general, las funciones cognitivas específicas y el funcionamiento ejecutivo. La edad como factor predictivo solo contribuye a la planificación verbal. Este estudio analiza la contribución de estas variables en diferentes escalas EHPAP. (AU)