Uncovering a “Hidden and Important Factor” for Academic Success

The research team found that non-cognitive skills, such as motivation and self-regulation, are as important as intelligence in determining academic success.

“Our study challenges the long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement,” says Dr Malaschini, a senior lecturer in psychology at Queen Mary University of London. “We find compelling evidence that non-cognitive skills, such as persistence, academic interest and the value placed on learning, are not only important determinants of success but that their influence grows stronger over time.”

The study, which followed more than 10,000 children aged 7 to 16 in England and Wales, used a combination of twin studies and DNA-based analyses to examine the complex interplay between genes, environment and academic performance.

The results revealed the important role that genes play in shaping non-cognitive skills and their impact on academic achievement. Through DNA analysis, the research team formed a genetic picture of a child’s readiness for these skills.

“We found that genetic influences associated with non-cognitive skills became increasingly predictive of academic achievement over the course of schooling,” Dr. Allegrini explained. “In fact, their influence nearly doubled between the ages of 7 and 16.”

“By the end of compulsory education, genetic predispositions to noncognitive skills become as important as those to cognitive abilities in predicting academic success,” he added.

The study indicates that a child’s emotional and behavioral makeup, which is influenced by genes and environment, plays a crucial role in his educational journey.

“Children actively shape their own learning experiences based on their personality, interests and abilities,” Allegrini said.

The study highlights the need for further research into the complex interplay between genes, environment, and education. By understanding these factors, educators and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to support students’ holistic development and achieve better educational outcomes.

Source: Medical Express