Essay On Working Memory

Working Memory and ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder of the neurodevelopmental type. It is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling behavior which is not appropriate for a person's age. Working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing. Working memory is important for reasoning and the guidance of decision making and behavior. Students with ADHD can improve their working memory, students with ADHD have poor working memory. This has serious an impact on their learning. Because of poor working memory, students with ADHD

People with ADHD don't return to the task that they just left, they just move on to the next thing. Even when having been distracted people without ADHD can keep in mind what they have been working on and why. This is referred to as "working memory" which is different from either long-term memory functions or short-term memory functions. Working memory is remembering what you need to do, and how to do it, so that you can get it done before it's too late and while it still matters. People with ADHD have impaired working memory. They have trouble keeping the information in mind that they need for the task so that they can complete the job or reach the goal. So, they just wander from thing to thing, task to task, without ever completing anything really, this is a working memory deficit in ADHD. This is a time problem, a focus problem, a remembering what it takes to get the job done problem. And yes, it is what you see in older people as their working memory and executive functions begin to wane. In this sense ADHD is not a problem from a lack of skills or knowledge. It is a deficit of results, and results matter. It is a problem with performance. Working memory

Offer breaks during tasks that require sustained attention. Present small chunks of new information that contain many details and allow for consolidation of information before presenting more new information. Encourage use of a graphic organizer prior to writing tasks so that student can think through his ideas out loud and in writing. Allow the student to discuss his/her understanding of a new concept as this helps them to make connections. Encourage students to read out loud to maintain attention and improve comprehension. Edit essays by reading out loud. Use dictation software programs to prepare essays or research projects, this will serve to improve and maintain flow of ideas. Provide audible books or books on tape. Color code school materials. Break down a multi-step assignment into smaller assignments with short-term