W is for working memory

Maths, with its complex operations and abstract concepts, places a significant demand on students' working memory. Working memory is the cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information. It is crucial for tasks that involve reasoning, learning, and comprehension, all of which are integral to maths.

The Role of Working Memory in Maths

Working memory plays a critical role in various aspects of mathematical problem-solving, including:

Performing Multi-Step Operations: Solving problems often requires students to keep track of multiple steps and intermediate results. For instance, long division or multi-digit multiplication involves holding several numbers and partial results in memory.

Understanding and Applying Formulas: Remembering and correctly applying mathematical formulas demands a robust working memory. Students must recall the formula and understand where and how to use it within the context of a problem.

Mental Arithmetic: Performing calculations mentally without the aid of paper or a calculator heavily relies on working memory to store and manipulate numbers.

Following Instructions: Mathematical tasks often come with multi-step instructions that students must remember and execute in sequence.

So how can we alleviate the load on Working Memory in our classrooms

Use Visual Aids and Manipulatives: Visual representations such as number lines, graphs, charts, and physical manipulatives can help offload some of the working memory burden. By externalizing information, students have less to hold in their minds, allowing them to focus on problem-solving.

Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps: Breaking complex problems into smaller, more manageable steps can help students focus on one part of the problem at a time. Providing written steps can also serve as a reference, reducing the need to remember the entire procedure.

Encourage Note-Taking and Writing Down Work: Having students write down their intermediate steps and calculations can significantly reduce the working memory load. This practice not only aids in keeping track of their thought process but also helps in identifying and correcting mistakes.

Use Memory Aids and Mnemonics: Mnemonics and other memory aids can help students remember formulas, procedures, and key concepts. For example, using the acronym BIDMAS (Brackets, Indices, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) to remember the order of operations.

Scaffold Instruction: Provide support at the beginning of a new topic and gradually reduce it as students become more proficient. Scaffolding helps students build confidence and competence without overwhelming their working memory.

Allow Calculators and Other Tools: Where appropriate, allowing the use of calculators or other technological tools can reduce the cognitive load, enabling students to focus on understanding concepts rather than getting bogged down in calculations.

Teach Metacognitive Strategies: Encourage students to think about their thinking. Teaching strategies like self-monitoring and self-checking can help students become more aware of their cognitive processes and reduce errors.

Create a Low-Stress Learning Environment: High stress and anxiety can negatively impact working memory. A supportive, encouraging, and low-stress classroom environment can help students perform better.

Conclusion

Working memory is a vital component in the successful learning and application of mathematical concepts. By understanding its role and implementing strategies to alleviate the cognitive load on working memory, teachers can significantly enhance their students' mathematical abilities and confidence. Employing visual aids, breaking down tasks, encouraging note-taking, using memory aids, scaffolding instruction, allowing the use of tools, teaching metacognitive strategies, regularly reviewing concepts, creating a low-stress environment, and providing clear instructions are all effective ways to support students in managing their working memory load. By doing so, teachers can help all students achieve greater success in maths.