Brain training doesn't work

Nintendo's brain training games aren't as good as the advertising puff and the hype would have you think.  Our kids' school recommended them to us, just a few weeks ago. I'm glad we didn't take them up on it.

Comments

[Kit]

Less than an hour ago my wife let out an unearthly whoop as her brain age reached 20 - if only they could release a "Body Training" game. ;)

Since Christmas my kids have been addicted to the Professor Kageyama’s Math Training game which has done wonders for their mental maths.

[Rob Fisher]

Something smells funny about this report. Given that improvements were measured "By comparing the results of logic, memory and maths tests carried out prior to starting the seven-week course with tests conducted afterwards", I think it is essential to know whether the paper and pencil group did *exactly the same puzzles* as the Nintendo DS group.

If so, then the only difference is the use of a pencil, and I would find this surprising.

If not, then I am left wondering whether this study has just measured the similarity between puzzles A and C, and puzzles B and C.

[James P]

"two teams were asked to complete a seven-week memory course using a DS brain-training game, while another group completed puzzles using pencil and paper."

And how many children will voluntarily pick up a pencil and paper in preference to a DS? Anything that encourages them to practice memorising things and doing mental arithmetic (neither of which get much attention in most schools) has to be Good Thing, wouldn't you say?

[James P]

@Kit - "if only they could release a "Body Training" game"

They have - it's called the Wii Fit :-)

[Bishop Hill]

I like the idea of memorising things at early ages. I'm less convinced about older kids though. See Dorothy Sayers' essay on the subject of classical education.