Working Memory

Written by Heather Down
January 6

I was browsing Facebook yesterday and saw Stephanie Stollar had a new post. You can view this post here. It was about Cognitive Load Theory. As Stephanie writes, “cognitive load theory explores the limits of working memory”. She listed some great articles to read. I particularly liked the NSW Government Department of Education report, “Cognitive Load Theory in Action”. It’s an easy-read article with teaching strategies along with classroom examples. The link is below.

Cognitive Load Theory and Working Memory play a big part in the development of literacy skills, as it revolves around a student’s ability to hold onto verbal information within their working memory, to read and learn (Dyslexia Help, 2023). Therefore, assessing for weaknesses in Working Memory can provide valuable insights in regards to how a teacher or tutor teaches a student, as it can help with just how much information a student can take in, before they are on “overload” and learning is slowed or even stopped.

Assessing for Working Memory can be done with a Digit Memory Test, you can find these free online. When I know a student has a ‘low’ Working Memory, I know that they may be struggling with the following and this will help me with understanding how I can tailor my teaching to their needs:

* have trouble with tasks that have more than one step

* stop working because they have lost track of what they are supposed to do

* frequently engage in daydreaming

* lack of skills in planning and organization

* have difficulty applying what they learned in a previous lesson

* have trouble remembering all the steps in oral directions

* have trouble thinking and doing at the same time

This is part of a list presented by the International Dyslexia Association, you can find a link to the article below.

https://khsbpp.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/cognitive_load_theory_practice_guide_aa.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3MVOr9bmIOJyOTgvv9fNM_nszUFPTq8RiOImqPW_Uti9uYuYrFZ3-PN_k

Working Memory: The Engine for Learning

Image Credit: NSW Government, Department of Education, Center for Education Statistics and Evaluation.