Working memory: The what, the why, and the how

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2013

Abstract

Working memory, our ability to work with information, plays an important role in learning from kindergarten to the college years. In this article, we review the what, the why, and the how of working memory. First, we explore the relationship between working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. We also investigate research on the link between whether environmental factors, such as financial background and mother's educational level, affect working memory. In the next section - the why of working memory - we compare the predictive nature of working memory and IQ in learning outcomes. While IQ typically measures the knowledge acquired by the student, working memory measures what they do with that knowledge. Working memory skills are linked to key learning outcomes, including reading and math. In the final section, we present classroom strategies to support working memory. We also review current research on the efficacy of working memory training. © 2013 Australian Psychological Society Ltd.

Publication Title

Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist

Volume

30

Issue

2

First Page

105

Last Page

118

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1017/edp.2013.13

ISSN

08165122

E-ISSN

18392504

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