Executive functions and strategic aspects of arithmetic performance: The case of adults' and children's arithmetic

Abstract

In this paper, we provide an overview of three important issues regarding working-memory/executive functions (WM/EF), strategies, and cognitive development in the domain of arithmetic. One goal of this overview is to bring some lights on the depth and breadth of the most valuable contributions that Andre" Vandierendonck and his collaborators made on these issues. First, we consider strategic aspects of arithmetic performance and strategic development in arithmetic. Second, the role of WM/EF on arithmetic performance and arithmetic strategies is discussed. Finally, some data are reported on how age-related changes in WM/EF affect strategic development in arithmetic. For each of these issues, we highlight how the works carried out by Andre" Vandierendonck and his colleagues, when integrated in the broader context of research on cognitive arithmetic, contributed to our further understanding of participants' performance and age-related changes in this performance.