Working Memory
What is it?
Working Memory refers to the ability to remember instructions or keep information in the mind long enough to perform tasks. We use simple working memory when we look at a phone number and keep it in mind while we dial it. Working memory is the sketch pad of the mind where we put things to think about and manipulate.
Children have to use their working memory throughout the school day, whether it is keeping in mind instructions, doing arithmetic, working in groups, or even crossing the room to sharpen a pencil. Simple working memory tests are highly correlated with IQ scores. There is evidence that working memory exercises can by themselves produce improvement in the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, probably because the same areas of the brain are associated with sustained attention, response inhibition and working memory.
When it's a problem:
Cognitive Training Tips:
1) Help students get organized and on task. Have these students maintain a day-planner or agenda book that specifically keeps track of assignments and tasks. This can be especially helpful with managing homework: students can have teachers initial the agenda each day to "sign off" on assignments, and parents initial each day to "sign off" that the student brought it home.
2) Conference individually with each student as much as possible. Check for understanding of and ability to accomplish each classroom task at hand.
3) Spell it out. Use mnemonic devices, write out step-by-step instructions, continually refer to complete agendas for each lesson, use visual cues and repeat instructions (for classroom work and behavior) as often as necessary to keep students on task.
4) Use student-led instructional strategies that help to keep the student engaged. Play upon the students' preferred learning styles and rely less on teacher-centered strategies like lecture. Employ technology and games to keep motivation high.
5) Continue using ACTIVATE brain training software. The link between brain training technology like ACTIVATE and the development of working memory has been well documented. Specially, ACTIVATE cognitive tools exercise working memory by tying game tasks to increasingly complex directions and sequences that students must remember in short bursts in order to earn points. For instance, in advanced levels of Pirate Pete’s Packing Panic, the students have to remember a sequence of patterns, and then organize pictures into those categories, following the sequence from memory.
When it's a strength:
Cognitive Training Tips:
1) Create opportunities for these students to “break out” of the general classroom mold and work independently. They may be able to work at a faster pace, or at least sustain attention longer than their peers, so these students may benefit from more opportunities to work solo, or in tandem with others like themselves, in a separate space like the library or computer lab.
2) Create assignments that specifically challenge memory. Have these students memorize poetry or write and perform a skit or play. Assign increasingly complex math problems involving remembered rules like the order of operations. Give them extra vocabulary terms to learn for extra credit.
The 8 Core Cognitive Capacities
Further Reading
“5 Ways Kids Use Working Memory” from Understood.org
Working Memory – Wikipedia Article
A Workout for Working Memory – from the American Psychological Association
Peer-reviewed studies on Working Memory – from the US National Library of Medicine