Enhancing visuospatial skills in second graders: An exploratory follow-up study

This study was intended to assess the effect of a psychoeducational computer-assisted and paper-and-pencil training designed to empower visuospatial skills in students attending the second grade of the primary school. At pretest, posttest and at the subsequent 3-months follow-up, 44 Italian second graders were presented with a battery of tests assessing nonverbal problem solving, imagery, speed of processing, visuomotor coordination, and verbal working memory. After pretest, 22 pupils were trained by the psychoeducational intervention for 15 weekly sessions (Fastame & Antonini (2011). RECUPERO IN… abilità visuo-spaziali [Recovery in… visuo-spatial abilities]. Trento, Italy: Edizioni Erickson). Posttest scores and a follow-up assessment conducted after 3 months by the end of the training documented the positive effect of the psychoeducational intervention in enhancing visuospatial functions of the experimental group. These outcomes were also replicated when a questionnaire assessing visuospatial efficacy was proposed to the teachers of the participants.