Comparison of executive function skills in preschool children based on the level of structuring of their continuing education programs

This study was conducted to compare the executive function skills of children attending semi-structured and highly structured educational programs in preschool institutions. The research employed a relational comparison model, a quantitative research method. The study group consisted of a total of 99 children aged 60-72 months, attending an independent public kindergarten (which implements a highly structured program) and a private educational institution (which implements a semi-structured program) located in the Konyaaltı district of Antalya Province. The data collection tools used in the research were the 'Head-Shoulder-Knees and Toes Touching Guidelines (HTKS)' developed by Sezgin (2016) and the 'Childhood Executive Function Inventory (CHEXI)' developed by Çiftçi (2020). The data were analyzed using parametric methods. Differences between groups were examined using independent samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. The research findings revealed a statistically significant difference in HTKS scores between children attending semi-structured educational programs and those attending highly structured programs, in favor of the children in the semi-structured programs. When examining the variable of gender, it was found that the HTKS scores of girls attending semi-structured programs were significantly higher than those of girls attending highly structured programs. Looking at the sub-dimensions of the CHEXI, significant differences were found in favor of the highly structured program regarding working memory and inhibitory control scores. Among children attending semi-structured programs, girls scored higher than boys, whereas no significant gender-related differences were found among children attending highly structured programs. The research findings were discussed based on the literature, and recommendations were provided. Keywords: Preschool Education, Thinking Skills, School Programs, Executive Functions