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Working Memory
UNDERSTANDING WORKING MEMORY Components of Working Memory Working memory consists of three main components: The phonological loop: responsible for the temporary storage and processing of auditory information. • The visuospatial sketchpad: responsible for the temporary storage and processing of visual and spatial information. • The central executive (The Boss Brain) responsible for coordinating and controlling the information processed by the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad. •
How Working Memory Functions
Working memory functions by temporarily holding and manipulating information needed for cognitive tasks. Temporary Storeage
It allows us to actively process and manipulate information, such as solving problems, making decisions, and comprehending complex ideas. Process Information
Cognitive Process Working memory is crucial for various cognitive processes, including learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
RESEARCHED BASED STRATIGIES
Chunking Information Break down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks. • Group related items together to make them easier to remember(Curation). •
Mindfulness Techniques Practice mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to improve focus and attention. Reduce distractions and create a calm environment for better memory retention.
Mnemonic Devices Use mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or visual imagery, to help remember information. • Create associations between new information and existing knowledge.( •
SCHEMA MASED LEARNING
What is RETRIEVAL PRACTICE? Simply, it is the practice bringing information to mind without the help of materials.
Many people think of “studying” as simply re-reading notes, textbooks, or other materials. But having the information right in front of us doesn’t force us to retrieve it from memory; instead, it allows us to trick ourselves into thinking we know something. Recalling information without supporting materials helps us learn it much more eectively.
Teach students how to do retrieval practice in class: Have them turn o their devices, put all their notes and books away, then ask them to write everything they know about a particular term or topic, or share their thoughts in a think-PAIR-shareWhen the practice is done, have students check their understanding by revisiting their materials and discussing misconceptions as a class. Once they learn how to do this in school, they can then apply it at home
The Method of Loci
What is it? The method of loci is a mnemonic device commonly used for improving memory and learning. It involves picturing objects within a familiar physical space or mental image and using this to recall information more easily
How it Works To use the Method of Loci, imagine a familiar place, such as your home or a route you often take. Visualize each item you want to remember as a specific object or person in that location. Then, move through the location, associating each item with the next location in the mind.
Benefits The Method of Loci can help improve working memory by making it easier to recall information. It can also help with organization and planning, as it allows you to visualize and categorize information in a more ecient way.
Contextualized Learning
Contextualizing learning: Make learning relevant and interactive. Mix up lessons so that your students don’t have to listen to you talk for more than 10 minutes at a time. They have to use their working memory, which has a very limited capacity, to follow a lecture, so stop and have them do the following: Turn and talk to a partner Do a demonstration Incorporate active learning or hands-on learning intermittently Summarize or draw a picture that encompasses the main points of the learning Concept mapping or story mapping strategies throughout a lesson
Other Activities to Improve Working Memory
When Did You Last? Give students questions that test their power of recall. For instance- When did you last drink lemonade/ tie your shoe/ make a paper airplane/ adjust the volume on something? etc. Students can write down their answers in their journal or talk to a partner about them. All students can answer the same question or you can provide several and they can pick. Note: this could also be a good get-to-know-you activity as well. Journaling Activity
Letter Unscramble Students partner up and one person stands with their back to the board. On the board there are four sets of four letters that can form several words. The partner facing the board reads one set of letters to their partner. Their partner has 30 seconds to figure out what words can be made out of the letters without being able to see them. Each partner does this several times. Make this harder by cutting the time down or adding more letters.
Activities to Enhance Working Memory Solving Puzzles • Engage in activities that require problem-solving and critical thinking, such as crosswords, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles. Playing Memory Games • Play memory games that challenge your ability to remember and recall information, such as Concentration or Simon Says. Practicing Mindfulness Exercises • Practice mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to improve focus and attention. Handouts • Handouts for the activities can be found .
Puzzles Solving puzzles can help improve working memory by requiring the brain to remember and organize information. Memory Games Playing memory games, such as memory matching or concentration, can help improve working memory by requiring the brain to remember and recall information. Mindfulness Exercises Practicing mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help improve working memory by reducing stress and increasing focus. Other Activties to Improve Working Memory
Working Memory Games Crossword Puzzles Crossword puzzles require the use of working memory to fill in the blanks with the correct words. Sudoku Sudoku puzzles require the use of working memory to fill in the missing numbers in a grid. Memory Matching Memory matching games require the use of working memory to match pairs of images or words.