Memory technique to help children’s classroom performance
Posted on 6 January 2009
Researchers in the University’s Department of Psychology are using the software to teach memory techniques to pupils, aged between seven and nine to help improve their performance at school.
Children who struggle in the classroom often have poor working memory, which means they make slow progress in academic learning
Professor Susan Gathercole
The Leverhulme Trust has awarded the Department £135,000 for a three-year study to investigate the impact of memory training on children’s everyday use of working memory in the classroom. If the project proves successful, it could help a substantial number of children.
Professor Susan Gathercole, who is leading the research, said: "Working memory typically holds information for a few seconds. We use it for remembering instructions, solving problems, controlling impulses and focusing attention – it is vital for everyday life.
"We know that children who struggle in the classroom often have poor working memory, which means they make slow progress in academic learning, particularly in key areas such as reading and maths. Often, the causes of their learning problems go undetected."
She explained that the researchers will train children in memory techniques using the RoboMemo software package over a six week period.
Professor Gathercole added: "Our researchers are measuring how regular use of this package helps children to follow instructions and understand text, compared with children receiving different kinds of supplementary activities in school."
The project aims to help young people to achieve their potential and inform teachers on how best to help children who struggle in the classroom. It could have far-reaching implications for struggling learners, educational professionals and health workers, as well as for academics in psychology and education.
The results of the research will be published and updated on the University of York Centre for Working Memory and Learning website: www.york.ac.uk/res/wml (Update 2016: this site is no longer active).
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- More information about the Leverhulme Trust at www.leverhulme.ac.uk
- More information about the Department of Psychology at the University of York at www.york.ac.uk/depts/psych/
- Robomemo is a Memory Training Tool used for children with ADHD. It had been developed and produced by Klingberg and associates, who have a highly productive collaboration with the University of York.
- The Department of Psychology is the holder of a Silver Athena Swan award. The Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Charter aims for: ‘the advancement and promotion of the careers of women in science, engineering and technology in higher education and research, and to achieve a significant increase in the number of women recruited to top posts’.