10 Tips to improve working memory in online classes

What is working memory?

In all courses, improving working memory is critical to success. There are numerous techniques to improve working memory in the classroom, and it is critical for teachers to employ these strategies to ensure that students retain information more effectively. Teachers have a plethora of suggestions to optimize the learning process and increase working memory based on current research-based tactics. Working memory problems are rather prevalent in childhood, and they have a significant impact on children’s learning. This article discusses the profile of cognitive and behavioral features linked to working memory, as well as methods for testing working memory skills and approaches to help children with this problem with their learning needs.

Working memory refers to how we keep track of and use information stored in our short-term memory. (Previously, the terms working memory and short-term memory were used interchangeably.) It’s one of a set of abilities known as executive function.

Working memory is used frequently by children to learn. It’s required for tasks like following multi-step instructions or mentally solving a math issue. By incorporating basic tactics into your child’s daily routine, you can help them enhance their working memory. It is also known as a “sticky note”. It is a cognitive system with restricted capabilities; an example would be hearing a phone number and attempting to recall it. It is necessary for reasoning, decision-making, and the formulation of a strategy. The more repetition is required, for example, the shorter the working memory. Students will be able to learn and remember more information if teachers can boost it.

Working memory can be strengthened or developed while you are younger. It starts to deteriorate as you get older. To keep the working memory active, you must continue to learn new ideas and engage in activities.

What can be done to improve working memory?

Working memory may be improved in the classroom and in general by using the correct tools and practices. Working memory is harmed by too much information. Working memory, often known as a mental workspace, allows students to hold and modify chunks of information in their heads. It assists kids in remaining focused and aware of their surroundings. The greatest technique to improve working memory is to play games and exercises, such as multisensory activities, etc.

10 Best Tips to improve working memory

• Using Prior Knowledge to Connect New Lessons

When you know one abstract concept and use the context to grasp more about specific issues, activating past knowledge is an approach that makes it easier to learn. Prior knowledge provides a framework for developing new skills and improving information retention. Teachers should determine what their pupils already know about specific skills in order to devote more time and attention to teaching new concepts.

Students are forced to retrieve material they already know, which improves their efficacy in learning what they need to learn. This method aids in priming the brain and distinguishing between what they already know and what they need to learn. In all subject areas, learning is a process of making connections. This form of simulation boosts students’ self-assurance and belief in themselves.

• Breaks for the Brain

For students of all ages, brain breaks are essential in the classroom. During these gaps, the brain is not at rest; instead, it is in default mode, where it is working on other important learning strategies. Many of these tasks include consolidating memories, forming connections, and deciphering complex data. We just do not learn as well if we do not take pauses. Children benefit from brain breaks because they allow them to regain focus, which is especially crucial for younger students. Our brains do not operate well when they are overworked, therefore taking pauses during the school day is essential.

Active brain breaks are beneficial because they allow pupils to improve their attitude, motivation, and cognitive functioning. Students also require time to engage and socialize with one another, which encourages creativity and fosters curiosity. The hippocampus in the brain can develop as a result of this process.GoNoodle is a free educational online resource that is ideal for providing classroom brain breaks. There are videos for all ages and interests in the database, including workouts, dance, stretching, and mindfulness.

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  Lessons that are multisensory

Because kids’ brains have preferences and strengths, this form of learning helps them to learn at their best. Teachers must be aware of how knowledge is presented in the classroom because we all learn in different ways. Visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learning are examples of multimodal learning. When teaching, using learning pathways ensure that knowledge is transferred from short-term to long-term memory. This significantly improves the ability to retain skills and achieve favorable learning outcomes. Students will be more engaged if teachers offer lessons they enjoy.

• Chunking

This entails breaking down huge chunks of information into smaller components. This is when data from working memory is transferred to long-term memory. Students can see the big picture by identifying patterns or grouping materials. The information is then stored and accessible without much mental effort, making it easier for them to remember things. Things are grouped together and stored in a comparable way when teachers use this strategy to introduce abilities. Students make associations, which makes it easier for them to remember what they need to know, bypassing the working memory’s restricted capacity.

• Improve your visualization abilities.

Encourage children to visualize what they’ve just read or heard in their minds. Assume you’ve instructed your child to set the table for a group of five people. Allow your child to imagine and draw what the table should look like. As children become more adept at envisioning, they will be able to describe rather than draw the image.

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  Experiment with games that need visual memory.

There are many matching games that might help children improve their visual memory, such as the popular Concentration (or Memory) game. You can also offer them a magazine page and instruct them to circle any instances of the word the or the letter a. It’s also possible to have a lot of fun with license plates. Take turns repeating the letters and digits on a license plate, both forwards and backward.

• Students should be given the opportunity to teach lessons.

90% of what they teach others is remembered by the learners. Students retain almost all of what they are required to know while they are teaching a lesson. Another example of students teaching a class is peer tutoring. Because the material must be learned first and then taught to others, this is one of the most effective strategies to improve working memory. There is a greater comprehension of the subject matter.

• Checklists and Routines.

In the classroom, students require routines and checklists. As a member of the classroom community, these elements of classroom management allow everyone to feel successful. Creating routines and using checklists necessitates thorough instruction and, in many cases, the use of visual aids. Every day, teachers must talk about it and demonstrate how it will function. Students feel safe and their working memory improves as a result of consistency and intentional practice, such as putting up materials, handing in homework, and how to do daily classroom chores.

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  Play a game of cards.

Working memory can be improved in two ways by playing simple card games like Crazy Eights, Uno, Go Fish, and War. The rules of the game must be remembered by the children. They must also recall which cards they have and which have been played by others.

• Encourage students to read actively.

There is a reason highlighters and sticky notes are so popular: they help you stay organized. Making notes and underlining or highlighting literature can assist children in remembering information long enough to answer questions about it. Working memory can also be aided by speaking aloud and asking questions about the reading material. Active reading techniques like these can also aid in the formation of long-term memory.

Also read: Good vs. Bad Online Learning Habits

FAQs:

What is working memory?

It is a cognitive system with restricted capabilities; an example would be hearing a phone number and attempting to recall it. It is necessary for reasoning, decision-making, and the formulation of a strategy.

Name any 2 methods to optimize working memory.

Using Prior Knowledge to Connect New Lessons, Brain breaks.

How do brain breaks optimize working memory?

Active brain breaks are beneficial because they allow pupils to improve their attitude, motivation, and cognitive functioning. Students also require time to engage and socialize with one another, which encourages creativity and fosters curiosity.