The effectiveness of spectrum project activities on visual attention in preschool children

Attention is one of the main cognitive processes and the initial stage of any learning that can well precisely predict the future ability of preschool children. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of the effectiveness of Gardner’s multiple intelligence training on visual attention in preschool children.

The present study is practical in terms of purpose and quasi-experimental in terms of method (pre-test, post-test with control group). The statistical population is 6-year-old preschool children who attend private kindergartens (under the supervision of the Behzisti Organization) in Tehran's 15th district in 98-1397 and the sample size was selected using convenience sampling and 30 children were randomly divided into two equal groups of experiment (n = 15) and control (n = 15). Data collection tools were used to measure visual attention and processing speed, Symbol Search Subscale and Cancellation of the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children was version four (2003). After performing the above tests and selecting the experimental group, training based on Gardner multiple intelligence model was performed on the experimental group in 10 sessions of 45 minutes and 2 sessions per week. The calculations performed in two groups of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics analysis (analysis of covariance) were analyzed by SPSS-24 software.

The results of the analysis of covariance test show that the activities of the spectrum project (three physical-kinetic, visual-spatial and linguistic-verbal intelligence) significantly improve the performance of visual attention.

Use the teaching mode of Multiple intelligence theory can effectively guide children to actively pay attention to the content of learning and it increases some cognitive capacities in children. Therefore, training based on Gardner's multiple intelligences will help strengthen visual attention