Working Memory And School Problems
Many of the difficulties that children face in the classroom may be due to working memory issues. Current research and remedies are pointing in this direction more and more.
What is Working Memory?
Working memory is necessary for performing many cognitive tasks, such as following instructions and solving math calculations. It can be defined as the ability to keep information "online" for a brief period of time, typically a few seconds. This type of memory depends on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which research has shown to be the source of several memory-related disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and ADHD.
How to Assess Working Memory Deficit
The following list will help you determine if your child indeed has a significant working memory problem, as opposed to normal childhood behavior.
Signs of Working Memory Deficit
- Difficulty concentrating
- Distractible
- Difficulty Starting and Finishing a Task/Activity
- Easily Forgets Instructions
- Frequently Forgets Homework and Books
- Frequently Daydreams During School
Improve Working Memory with RoboMemo
RoboMemo, a new software-based program by Cogmed, Inc., offers systematic training that can improve working memory via fun, challenging computer exercises. RoboMemo will delight your child while important learning skills, such as attention span, are improving. Contact us for more information about this program.
Relationship Between Working Memory and Attention
A working memory deficit is often perceived as an inattention problem. In children, the problem typically manifests in the area of academics (e.g. remembering what they just read or the mathematical order of operations). The Working Memory Training (RoboMemo) developed by Cogmed, Inc. will help improve many aspects of such academic difficulties, including:
- Improved Attention
- Improved Complex Reasoning Skills
- Improved Impulse Control
- Improved Academic Performance
History Of Brain Development
Prenatal Brain Development
Brain development begins during the prenatal stage of life, at approximately 25 weeks of gestation. In fact, between 25 and 40 weeks of gestation is the time when the fastest rate of human growth occurs, with an estimated 250,00 brain cells being formed every minute. At this time, the neural pathways or highways that allow for information to travel to the required areas of the brain are developing.
Post Natal Brain Development
Post-natal development is also a highly critical stage. The pathways continue to develop rapidly during this time, as well. There are 4 major growth spurts in these early years of development. These include from ages 2 to 4 years, 6 to 8 years, 10 to 12 years, and 14 to 16+ years. These spurts are directly associated with acoustical, visual, and sensory development. Again, as in the prenatal stage, malnutrition, injury, disease and/or lack of stimulation can affect the developmental process, and eventually affect the ability to learn.
Continued Brain Development
Various portions of the brain develop at different rates as the brain continues to grow throughout the life span. However, there are critical periods for recuperation of damage. The earlier the damage occurs, the better chance of recuperation. However, few studies have shown complete recovery beyond the age of 10. And although the brain does continue to develop, it is fully matured between the ages of 14 and 15 years of age. While this makes recovery or learning new skills more difficult beyond 16, it is not totally impossible since some skills may peak, emerge, or prematurely degenerate.
Prefontal Cortex and Executive Functioning
It is interesting to note that the prefrontal cortex (the very front portion of your forehead) continues to develop until approximately 21 years of age. This part of the brain is responsible for such tasks as mediation, regulation and control of affective emotional behavior, judgment, insight, organizational ability, and the development of self-management skills, all of which fall under the umbrella of what is known as executive functioning.