Working%20Memory%20How%20it%20works

1
Working MemoryHow it works
2
Working memory

• How long do items stay without rehearsal?
• Practice Remember a group of letters
• XTMR
• count backwards by 3s
• Are they still there?

3
ChunkingAre experts smarter?

• Capacity of WM
• Expert chess players as an example
• The mystery of expertise

4
Practice

• Spontaneous rehearsal
• Intersperse lecture and lab
• Adapt practice to learner
• Respond to meaningful questions

5
Bypass Working Memory

• External support
• aids, references, embedded information
• Reference based training
• Relevant task and reference guide
• Provide conceptual and process information
• Case studies related to tasks

6
Bypass WM by automating knowledge and skills

• Practice

7
Reduce load by chunking information

• On pages and screens
• Sequencing information
• Integrate text, graphics, audio

8
Focus on Performance-Based knowledge and skills
9
Provide complete handouts
10
Provide worked examples
11
What happens when working memory gets filled up?

1. Clear by providing frequent rehearsal
   opportunities
2. Bypass through external memory resources or
   automation of knowledge
3. Reduce burden by information layout techniques
4. Reduce processing demand by providing
   instructional materials that do nonessential work
   for learner

12
How to manage overload

• Clear WM on a regular basis
• Bypass WM resource requirements
• Reduce WM load via information display
• Provide external processing support