RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTENTIONAL ABILITIES AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNERS IN MIDDLE ATLAS OF MOROCCO

Abstract

Introduction: Attention is one of many cognitive functions; it plays a central role in the learning process. For this reason, our study aims to determine the impact of attentional abilities on academic performance among middle school learners in Middle Atlas of Morocco. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 137 middle school learners. For the assessment of attentional abilities, we performed the Trail Making Test (TMT) to estimate mental flexibility. Evaluation of selective attention was done through the Stroop Test and the measurement of sustained attention was achieved via the d2-R test. Results: Our results revealed that the attentional abilities of learners in our samples are positively correlated with their academic performance and vice versa. Conclusion: At the end of this study, it is important to establish a thorough diagnosis of attentional disorders to identify learners with attention problems in order to implement a remedial program so as to avoid the detrimental effects of these disorders on the academic performance of learners.