Summarized from ST
09 February 2015
Parents are now sending their children for brain training, hoping to improve their concentration and memory skills.
Ms Jacqueline Neo, co-founder of Happy Train, said parents are more resourceful and many share their experiences on blogs. Aiming to train motor and processing skills, for instance, the centres use methods such as listening exercises and puzzles, as well as physical activities like catching balls. At Happy Train, children go through “right-brain training” to speed up information processing skills.
Ms Cheryl Chia, founder of BrainFit Studio, said getting distracted is a common problem. To combat this, children learn to focus and follow instructions. BrainFit has three branches here, two of which were set up in the last five years. Each branch takes in 200 pupils every year.
But experts said there is limited evidence to show that brain training gives children an edge.
Current research in the field is usually based on case studies with small sample sizes, said Dr Kalyani Vijaykumar Mulay, a consultant at the National University Hospital’s child development unit.
Experts also said that the skills developed in brain training may not lead to an overall improvement in cognitive ability.