What is working memory?
Working memory is a kind of notebook in the brain where all information that comes in is literally processed. The working memory prioritizes the information and 'determines' which information is stored in the short-term memory, which information is stored in the long-term memory and which information can be immediately discarded. In technical terms this is called the prefrontal cortex.
The short-term memory stores information for a short period of time but ensures that we can use this information immediately. Where have I left my iPhone? Where are my car keys? With the help of the short-term memory you can then find out what you have just done or where you have just been. That way, you should find your iPhone back. In most cases, this type of information is irrelevant for the long term and is therefore not stored in long-term memory.
Information that we would like to use again later is stored in long-term memory. At least that should be the intention.
In addition to prioritizing information, working memory also ensures that we can combine information in short-term memory with information in long-term memory.
Working memory also ensures that we can 'imagine' something, in other words, make images of something in our head. We call this the visuospatial notepad. And the 'intraparietal sulcus' plays an important role in calculations.
In short, working memory thus contributes to the organization of knowledge and its availability and accessibility and is therefore very important in the school performance of children and young people.
"Working memory refers to a system of the brain that provides temporary storage and processing of information required for complex cognitive tasks." Alan Baddeley
How does the BCB working memory training work?
Memory training is mainly aimed at improving long-term memory. An important aspect of this training is the combination of the online games / training sessions with the 'offline' exercises for learning new memory strategies. During the weekly sessions in one of our practices, 'offline' exercises are conducted with one of our remedial educationalists / psychologists and at home the children practice 3 times a week with the online training program. The entire training lasts 9 weeks, excluding breaks due to, for example, a holiday. Important !: Your son or daughter is expected to practice well at home with the program 3 times a week and that you coach and motivate your child well during the practice moments.
The online games are specially made for training both visual and verbal working memory. The difficulty of the exercises continuously adapts to the performance of the user.
The strength of this training lies in the transfer to the school and home situation. The child learns to use appropriate memory strategies to be able to perform the games and exercises and then the link is made to how to use these strategies in the classroom and at home. Work is also being done on task approach and sustained attention. These skills are necessary for optimal use of working memory.
The first sessions last about 20-25 minutes per session and as the training progresses the exercises become a bit longer and more difficult and then take between 35-45 minutes per session (4 times a week).
The BCB Memory Training consists of three memory games:
- Search image: search image focuses on processing speed, scanning for relevant information, ignoring distracting information, automatic recognition of letters and words, remembering visual information, learning to apply memory strategies.
- Letter dance: letter dance aims at retaining information for a longer period of time, remembering visual-spatial information, automatic recognition of letters, logical reasoning, learning to apply memory strategies.
- Calculator: calculator aims at processing speed, retaining information for a longer period of time, applying automation strategies, memorizing calculation facts, applying memory strategies.
Each game is played a total of 32 times. With fewer than 4 practice moments per week, the frequency is insufficient to achieve better results