Introduction
Let's think of working memory through a metaphor—a stage. Inspired by ideas from Alan Baddeley and Dr. Erica Warren, this picture offers us a deeper understanding of how working memory functions and how we might enhance it.
The Stage of Working Memory
Imagine working memory as a stage where various items are fleetingly presented. On this stage, you might picture a couch as part of a dynamic, ever-changing scene. The key to grasping this concept is acknowledging the temporal nature of working memory—it's short-lived, much like an episode on a stage. Officially termed "episodic memory," this reflects the ephemeral quality of what occupies our working memory.
Strengthening the Act
Our goal is to extend the time we can hold items on this stage, akin to shining a spotlight on them. This requires attention and effective strategies. People with strong working memories might retain numerous items even in short episodes, while those with weaker memory skills benefit significantly from tools and techniques to extend their "stage time."
The Director: Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex, essential for executive functioning, acts as the director of our mental stage. It retains and manages items on stage longer through two primary tools:
The Inner Eye: This involves what we can visualize or sense in space, utilizing the nonverbal part of our brain to hold more information on stage.
One effective strategy using the inner eye is 'grouping'. Say we have a chair, a pillow, and a cat. By clustering these with the couch, we can 'see' them as a singular entity—each part contributing to the scene but remembered as one whole.
The Inner Ear: This tool allows us to keep information active by hearing. The inner ear can for example repeat words forming auditory loops like "cat, cushion, couch."
The director assesses which tool (inner eye or ear) is stronger, and through practice, can extend the duration items stay on stage.
Linking to Long-Term Memory
Ultimate success in managing working memory involves connecting the on-stage items with backstage—our long-term memory. By drawing from long-term memory, we reinforce what was fleetingly on the stage, effectively anchoring it in our minds.
Toward a Growth Mentality
Building on Dr Baddeley and Dr. Warren’s insights, our understanding of working memory evolves from a static concept—like a fixed desk—to a dynamic stage directed by the prefrontal cortex. We transition from a fixed mindset to one of growth, leveraging strategies to enhance our working memory. According to Dr. Warren, these skills may just serve our children better toward academic success than IQ.
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