Working Memory Matters !
Practical help is available for Working Memory related difficulties, or for those who just want to improve their cognitive processing abilities.
What is Working Memory?
Working Memory refers to the ability to store and process information. Its main components are short term verbal and visuo-spatial stores and a Central Executive which directs attention and enables you to use stored information in your thinking. Working Memory has limited capacity and varies from person to person.
We use Working Memory all the time in our everyday lives, and it is crucial for learning. Working Memory impairments are linked with a number of learning difficulties, such as Dyslexia and ADHD. Children with poor Working Memory are more likely to struggle at school, particularly in English and Maths. Verbal Working Memory is used when processing spoken or written language, and children with weaknesses in this area may fall behind with reading and writing. School success is often linked with intelligence, which is linked with Working Memory. Children with average and below average Working Memory function are more likely to be affected by anxiety about school tasks and tests than their friends with strong Working Memory capabilities.
Glue Ear in infancy and early childhood is also associated with poor Phonological Awareness (awareness of the sound structure of language), delay in reading and depressed Working Memory function, compared to their typically developing peers.
We use Working Memory all the time in our everyday lives, and it is crucial for learning. Working Memory impairments are linked with a number of learning difficulties, such as Dyslexia and ADHD. Children with poor Working Memory are more likely to struggle at school, particularly in English and Maths. Verbal Working Memory is used when processing spoken or written language, and children with weaknesses in this area may fall behind with reading and writing. School success is often linked with intelligence, which is linked with Working Memory. Children with average and below average Working Memory function are more likely to be affected by anxiety about school tasks and tests than their friends with strong Working Memory capabilities.
Glue Ear in infancy and early childhood is also associated with poor Phonological Awareness (awareness of the sound structure of language), delay in reading and depressed Working Memory function, compared to their typically developing peers.
Can we improve Working Memory?
Recent research suggests that computerised Working Memory Training improves performance in the trained areas. At Working Memory Matters we use a computerised training programme called Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT), published by Pearson UK. The programme develops the verbal and visuo-spatial areas of Working Memory. It is available online and can be used in your own home, provided you have appropriate computer facilities and internet access.
CWMT training is time limited and intensive. The programme is available in three different versions and training protocols may be set for 25, 35 or 50 minute sessions. Training may take place on consecutive weekdays, with a break at the weekend, but individual training schedules may vary. If 50 minute sessions are selected, training should be completed after 25 training days. Shorter sessions will extend the overall length of the training.
CWMT has a built-in assessment system. An initial assessment is administered as part of the first session and used as a baseline to measure future progress. In this way it is possible to see how the training is helping your child.
CWMT training is time limited and intensive. The programme is available in three different versions and training protocols may be set for 25, 35 or 50 minute sessions. Training may take place on consecutive weekdays, with a break at the weekend, but individual training schedules may vary. If 50 minute sessions are selected, training should be completed after 25 training days. Shorter sessions will extend the overall length of the training.
CWMT has a built-in assessment system. An initial assessment is administered as part of the first session and used as a baseline to measure future progress. In this way it is possible to see how the training is helping your child.
How do I know if my child would benefit from Working Memory training?
Working Memory is crucial for school learning and performing well in tests. Indicators that Working Memory is not developing at an age-appropriate rate may vary among individuals, but the following quick guide may help to identify whether your child may have a Working Memory deficit:
Early Years
1. Unable to learn letters and sounds
2. Unable to count reliably beyond two or three
3. Difficulty grasping and following simple instructions, e.g. 'Put your coat on your peg'
4. Difficulty sustaining attention
Primary School
1. Learns some letters and sounds but cannot blend them to make words
2. Cannot retain words already decoded in a sight vocabulary
counts unreliably
3. Finds new concepts difficult to understand
4. Cannot learn to tell the time or remember the days of the week in order
5. Finds writing organisation and spelling difficult
6. May learn some multiplication tables by rote but cannot apply that knowledge flexibly to solve problems
7. Needs constant supervision when attempting homework
8. May experience problems maintaining social relationships and learning the rules governing social situations
At Working Memory Matters we can carry out a range of assessments to discover your child's strengths and weaknesses. These include a full assessment of Working Memory, Phonological Processing, Word Reading Efficiency, Expressive Vocabulary, Non-Verbal Reasoning and if required, a Wide Range Intelligence Test. Writing, spelling and maths can also be assessed. Following an assessment, an intervention may be devised to target the areas of weakness. You may implement the intervention at home, or select tuition options to suit your circumstances.
Early Years
1. Unable to learn letters and sounds
2. Unable to count reliably beyond two or three
3. Difficulty grasping and following simple instructions, e.g. 'Put your coat on your peg'
4. Difficulty sustaining attention
Primary School
1. Learns some letters and sounds but cannot blend them to make words
2. Cannot retain words already decoded in a sight vocabulary
counts unreliably
3. Finds new concepts difficult to understand
4. Cannot learn to tell the time or remember the days of the week in order
5. Finds writing organisation and spelling difficult
6. May learn some multiplication tables by rote but cannot apply that knowledge flexibly to solve problems
7. Needs constant supervision when attempting homework
8. May experience problems maintaining social relationships and learning the rules governing social situations
At Working Memory Matters we can carry out a range of assessments to discover your child's strengths and weaknesses. These include a full assessment of Working Memory, Phonological Processing, Word Reading Efficiency, Expressive Vocabulary, Non-Verbal Reasoning and if required, a Wide Range Intelligence Test. Writing, spelling and maths can also be assessed. Following an assessment, an intervention may be devised to target the areas of weakness. You may implement the intervention at home, or select tuition options to suit your circumstances.
How much will it cost?
CWMT should be viewed as an investment for your child's future. It requires an investment of time and effort in the short term, which should lead to long term benefits. Part of the investment might include payment for assessments to find out whether or not your child would benefit from the training. Then, purchasing access to the product, together with feedback, help and advice from a qualified working memory coach attracts an additional cost, while help in devising and implementing a 'catch up' intervention to help your child begin to learn the things they have previously found challenging might require individual tuition.
Assessments include a full report with recommendations. The total cost will depend on the assessments selected, which may vary according to your child's pattern of difficulties. CWMT is available at a fixed fee, which includes an initial consultation and demonstration, weekly coaching and feedback. Please complete the contact form below and we will send you details of our current fees, including our terms and conditions.
Assessments include a full report with recommendations. The total cost will depend on the assessments selected, which may vary according to your child's pattern of difficulties. CWMT is available at a fixed fee, which includes an initial consultation and demonstration, weekly coaching and feedback. Please complete the contact form below and we will send you details of our current fees, including our terms and conditions.
