Abstract:
This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) program for Mathematic Working Memory (ACT-MA) in middle school students. The sample consisted of 60 Mathayomsuksa 1 students who were matched based on their mathematic working memory scores and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (30 students each) using a simple random draw. The experimental group participated in the program for 12 sessions (50 minutes each, twice weekly for six weeks), while the control group received regular instruction. The research instruments included: 1) The ACT-MA program; 2) A Mathematic Working Memory Task (MWMT), both developed by the researcher; and 3) The N-back task. Data were collected at three phases: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 2-week follow-up. Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA and pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni method. The findings showed that the mathematic working memory scores of the experimental group at both the post-intervention and follow-up phases were significantly higher than those at pre-intervention and those of the control group (p<. 05). Additionally, the general working memory scores of the experimental group at the post-intervention phase were also significantly higher than their pre-intervention scores and those of the control group (p < .05). In conclusion, the ACT-MA program was effective in enhancing both mathematic working memory and general working memory in middle school students.