Working Memory

Memory is the retention of information over time. There are many types of memory. Working memory or short-term memory lasts from a few seconds to a minute; the exact amount of time may vary somewhat. This distinguishes it from long-term memory tasks in which the individual is shown some material and then asked to remember it a number of hours, or even days, later.

When you are trying to recall a telephone number that was heard a few seconds earlier, the name of a person who has just been introduced, or the substance of the remarks just made by a teacher in class, you are calling on short-term memory, or working memory. You need this kind of memory to retain ideas and thoughts when writing a letter, since you must be able to keep the last sentence in mind as you compose the next. You also need this kind of memory when you work on problems. Suppose a problem required that we first add two numbers together (step 1: add 15 + 27) and next divide the sum (step 2: divide sum by 2). If we did this problem in our heads, we would need to retain the result of step 1 (42) momentarily, while we apply the next step (divide by 2). Some space in our working memory is necessary to retain the results of step 1.

Many learning-disabled students do poorly on tests that require working memory.

RESOURCES:

Audiblox: Overcoming Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and other Learning Difficulties
Effective in overcoming dyslexia and other learning difficulties by addressing the underlying shortcomings that interfere with academic performance. Underlying shortcomings include working memory.

Compublox: Improve Concentration, Memory and Logical Thinking
Cognitive exercises designed to improve concentration, perception, memory, logical thinking, and increase brainpower.