Unlocking the Power of Working Memory in Learning

Did you know that working memory is not a fixed skill? It can be improved with practice.

As educators, one of the most important things we can do to assist our students is to support them to fulfil their learning potential.  Working memory - the brain’s juggling act - has a profound impact on a student’s academic performance.  Working memory is the mental workspace we use to hold and manipulate information while solving problems or learning new concepts.

What is Working Memory?

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Working memory refers to the brain’s ability to temporarily store and process information needed to carry out cognitive tasks. Think of it as a juggling act where we hold onto information for a short time—like keeping a phone number in mind while dialling or following a set of instructions during a lesson (and just like juggling, the more information there is to hold, the trickier it becomes!).

Unlike long-term memory, which stores information for the future, working memory is the ‘here and now’—it’s essential for tasks like reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving.

However, working memory has a limited capacity, meaning we can only hold so much information at once. This is why children may struggle to follow multi-step instructions or retain information from lessons if the task demands more memory capacity than they have at the time.

Why is Working Memory important for learning?

Students with strong working memory can process information more efficiently and recall it when needed, which translates to better academic performance. In contrast, difficulties with working memory can lead to problems like:

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions: When students struggle to hold onto information long enough to carry out tasks, they may miss crucial steps in a sequence.

• Trouble with complex problem-solving: Students may find it difficult to keep all the parts of a problem in mind at once, which can affect their ability to solve complex questions.

• Slower processing of new information: If the brain is too overwhelmed with information, it can hinder the ability to absorb and work with new knowledge.
  
  
  

What can we do to improve Working Memory?

Here are a few strategies to help:

1. Break tasks into smaller chunks: When introducing new concepts or tasks, break them down into manageable steps. This reduces the mental load and makes it easier for students to remember and process information.

2. Use visual aids and memory strategies: Visualising information can help free up working memory space. Try using diagrams, mind maps, or even colour-coded notes to reinforce learning. Encourage students to make associations and create memorable mental images.

3. Practice retrieval: Encouraging regular recall can strengthen working memory. Rather than simply reviewing information, have students try to retrieve what they’ve learned without looking at their notes. This helps reinforce memory pathways.

4. Use repetition: Repeating concepts multiple times—whether through spaced practice or revisiting a topic in future sessions—can improve retention. This also reduces the cognitive load over time as students become more familiar with the material.

5. Reduce distractions: A cluttered or noisy environment can overwhelm working memory. Create a calm and focused learning space to help students concentrate on the task at hand.

6. Teach memory techniques: Help students develop their own memory strategies, such as using acronyms or creating rhymes.