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The Role of Working Memory in Learning Math
Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, PhD
July 2024 | Executive Functioning
Have you ever wondered why so many children begin to struggle with math around the third grade? Is the curriculum? Maybe. Could it be the quality of instruction? Possibly. Might cognitive development have anything to do with it? Perhaps. But here is a little factor all parents should know, this stage (third grade) often represents a shift when concepts move from concrete to abstract, such as the introduction of multiplication and division, fractions, and even place value or multi-digit arithmetic – and believe it or not, it happens all at the same time!
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These shifts require students to develop a more abstract understanding of mathematical concepts, which can be challenging without a strong foundation in earlier concrete experiences. Additionally, this period demands a higher level of working memory to process and retain information and foundational skills are weak, these new demands can lead to confusion and frustration, impacting their overall confidence and performance in math.
What is Working Memory and Why Is It Important?
Working memory plays a crucial role in learning math. It refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information in one's mind over short periods. Of all the general cognitive abilities, studies have consistently shown that working memory is a strong predictor of academic success, especially in subjects like mathematics (Educational Psychology, 2021). Working memory is holding and manipulating information, which is essential for complex problem-solving and understanding new concepts.
Working Memory and Mathematical Problem-Solving
If you remember, working memory is the ability to hold one piece of information and manipulate another. In math, mental arithmetic may sometimes get tricky for those with weak working memory skills. While performing calculations mentally, students must hold onto the intermediate results and keep track of multiple other steps. For some, this is an effortless process – and for others, it is a near-impossible task to accomplish without support.
Many students have similar difficulties with problem-solving. Working memory helps in comprehending the problem, holding the relevant information, and integrating new information with existing knowledge. It enables students to plan steps, choose appropriate strategies, and keep track of where students are in the process.
Learning and recalling multi-step procedures, such as long division or solving equations, rely on working memory to remember and execute each step in the correct order. When applying algorithms or formulas, working memory helps in holding the formula in mind while substituting values and performing operations.
What are the Common Challenges Students Face with Working Memory in Math?
Understanding Mathematical Concepts. Understanding mathematical concepts often requires linking new information to previously learned concepts. Many students neglect to value the importance of making visual connections but being able to create pictures in our minds is a major part of learning new concepts in math.
Word Problems. Working memory is also vital for understanding and retaining the details of word problems, including the relevant quantities and relationships described. The stronger a student’s working memory abilities, the more fluently your child will master what is being taught. Struggles with word problems tend to be a sign of a weak working memory.
Math and Automaticity. Our working memory aids in the recall of basic math facts (like multiplication tables) but many students struggle with the automaticity, which frees up cognitive resources for more complex tasks. With practice, certain tasks become more automatic, reducing the load on working memory and allowing for more efficient problem-solving.
Attention and Focus. Working memory supports sustained attention and focus, which is needed for engaging with complex or multi-step math problems. Resisting distractions is especially important during lengthy problem-solving processes.
What strategies help improve math performance?
It is important to remember that your child’s mental and emotional health is just as important as their academic development. As you establish new routines, make sure that you’re paying plenty of attention to managing stress and giving your child outlets for their feelings. Taking some responsibility for these needs is also another way for kids to build executive function skills.
Chunking Information - Chunking involves breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable parts. This strategy helps reduce cognitive load and makes it easier to process and remember mathematical concepts and procedures. Teach students to group numbers, steps, or procedures into meaningful chunks.
o When solving a multi-step algebra problem, break it into smaller parts:
identify the problem,
set up the equation,
solve for the variable, and
check the solution.
Using Visual Aids and Diagrams- Visual aids and diagrams can help students better understand and retain mathematical information by providing a visual representation of abstract concepts.
o Use of diagrams, charts, and other visual tools when explaining mathematical concepts.
o Use number lines for addition and subtraction
o Draw geometric shapes to understand area and perimeter.
Practice with Spaced Repetition - Spaced repetition involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to help reinforce memory and improve retention. Consistent practice also helps transfer information from working memory to long-term memory.
o Schedule regular review sessions for previously learned material.
o Use flashcards or online tools incorporating spaced repetition algorithms to help practice and retain math concepts over time.
Improving working memory can enhance mathematical learning and performance. Techniques such as chunking information, using visual aids, practicing mental math, and reducing cognitive load can help students manage their working memory more effectively while learning math.
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