Does working memory training foster development of numeracy skills?

Several studies suggest a close link between the development of working memory (WM) and numerical abilities. The aim of this study was to determine whether working memory training may facilitate the acquisition of early numerical skills. Past training studies exploring this question have led to inconclusive results. Here we present two training studies in kindergarten and first grade children focusing on either general WM training or on serial order WM training, the latter component having been recently shown to predict early arithmetic abilities. Both training procedures failed to lead to specific increases of various mathematical skills as compared to a control training group. These results will be discussed in the light of the inconclusive results of past training studies, and we will identify methodological caveats for future training studies on working memory and numerical development.