Working Memory is the ability to manipulate information while holding it in one’s short term memory store. It is required for learning, reasoning, comprehension and following instructions and can effect students, adults and seniors alike.
“Working Memory helps students to hold on to information long enough to use it.”
“Weak working memory skills can affect learning across a broad range of subject areas.”
Students with working memory difficulties will struggle to hold information in their mind long enough to use it to solve verbal questions. Weaknesses in this area may affect a range of subject areas, but are known to have a particularly negative impact on core academic skills such as reading, writing, comprehension and verbal mathematics.
Essentially, a child with working memory difficulties will hear what you say, or see what is presented, but as they are given more information they will be overwhelmed and will partially drop the earlier information in order to take further more recent information. The issue is that once the information is dropped from the working memory, it is not usually retrievable.
Many students with untreated working memory difficulties can become frustrated and consequently stop paying attention to their studies. These difficulties are also commonly association with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), learning difficulties, hearing loss, acquired brain injury and mental health issues.
“Working memory plays an important role in concentration and following instructions.”
Assessments that test Working Memory:
Cogmed as it was developed from leading neuroscience research and is supported by a variety of peer-reviewed scientific journals. The core concept of Cogmed manipulates the flexibility of our neuroplasticity to strengthen the working memory pathways within the brain.
Cogmed is a rigorously structured program that focuses on the development of neuroplasticity and rehabilitation of weakened working memory pathways within the brain. By simultaneously offering a combination of challenges and rewards, it is able to assist and improve any loss of concentration that the student may experience. Overall clients have reported that the program (while challenging) to be ‘fun and engaging’.
Cogmed can be completed at home, or in any quiet space with reliable internet and will require approximately 25-50 minutes of your time. These sessions are generally required 3-5 times a week for 5-8 weeks. The program is offered online and may be completed on a variety of electronic devices.
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