Working Memory

Does your child have a short attention span? Are they easily distracted? Often these behaviours are linked to challenges with what is known as ‘working memory,’ but what is working memory, why is it important and how can you improve it?

What is working memory?

The term working memory refers to the ability to maintain and manipulate information in active attention. Working memory is required when a learner must hold information in their mind while manipulating it, for example during mental arithmetic or when taking notes during a talk. It can be thought of as a mental whiteboard for jotting down important information needed for everyday activities.

Why is working memory important?

Your working memory helps to facilitate reading comprehension activities as well as problem-solving activities in mathematics. Ultimately it helps you to remember information and then work with the information in your active attention. If you have challenges in the area of working memory, you may complete the first part of the instructions but proceed no further as you cannot recall the next steps; you may make errors in activities or even lose your place in complex tasks. Therefore, working memory is thought to be a key component of academic success.

5 top tips to support working memory

1. Keep instructions simple by breaking big chunks of information into small, bite-sized pieces.