Graphic Techniques in Predicting Children’s School Performance

Abstract

This study verified the predictive value of the tasks of the Rey Complex Figures test (type of copy and type of memory) and the Drawing of the Human Figure (non-verbal intelligence) to assess school performance in children of Elementary School I. A cross-sectional study involving 344 students, aged between six and 10 years old (M = 7.99; SD = 1.47). Rey Complex Figures and the Human Figure Drawing were applied collectively in the classroom. The results showed significant positive correlations between visual perception, immediate memory and non-verbal intelligence with Portuguese and math scores. The path analysis model indicated that non-verbal intelligence was able to predict school performance in Portuguese and mathematics subjects, while planning and visual perception skills were significant in predicting math performance.

Keywords:
school evaluation; child development; school performance; graphic techniques