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Cogmed Working Memory Training

What is Working Memory?

Working memory refers to the ability to hold onto and manipulate information in the mind over short periods of time. It works like a 'mental notepad' to help us store important information to carry out tasks. Working memory is different from short term memory. Short term memory involves storing information for a short period of time (seconds) and then repeating it. For example, we use short term memory when we hear and repeat a telephone number. Working memory on the other hand involves storing and manipulating the information to reach a goal (incorporates short term memory and executive functions). For example, doing mental arithmetic involves hearing/reading the numbers, holding them in the mind and then adding them to get the answer.

Individuals with working memory deficits are often easily distracted, struggle to remember instructions, and have difficulty starting, prioritizing and finishing tasks. They also have difficulty in school, particularly with reading comprehension and maths, due to their inability to hold in their mind sufficient information to allow them to complete the task at hand.

See Working Memory Checklist

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It is estimated that about 10-15% of school aged children have working memory problems, but these are often misidentified as deficits of attention or intelligence (Holmes et al 2009). Impairments of working memory are also found in a wide range of individuals who experience specific attention deficits such as those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities (including dyslexia), acquired brain injuries, Asperger's Syndrome and Down's Syndrome.

Often misunderstood, we now know that working memory plays a crucial role in a child's academic success. A recent paper published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology* investigated the power of working memory and IQ in learning in typically developing children over a six-year period. The findings revealed that a child's success in all aspects of learning is down to how good their working memory is regardless of IQ score. Specifically, working memory at the start of formal education is a more powerful predictor of subsequent academic success than IQ in the early years. At present, poor working memory is rarely identified by teachers, who often describe children with this problem as inattentive or as having lower levels of intelligence.

*Alloway, T.P. & Alloway, R. G. (2010). Investigating the predictive roles of working memory and IQ in academic attainment. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.

Assessing Working Memory

At Brain & Language Connections the assessment of your child’s working memory incorporates both verbal and visuo-spatial complex memory tests. The assessment (which takes approximately one hour) produces a working memory profile that can distinguish between core working memory deficits that generalise across all domains (which is most typical for children with poor working memory) and other patterns of deficit that are more severe for either verbal material or visuo-spatial material. By identifying working memory strengths and weaknesses, effective learning support can be implemented for individual children.

Book now on 0409 850082 for a Working Memory assessment for your child

What is Cogmed Working Memory Training?

Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidenced-based computer intervention for children, adolescents and adults with attention problems caused by poor working memory skills. It is a rigorous program designed to improve working memory through intensive and systematic training. Based on strong scientific research, the Cogmed program has been validated by highly respected research in controlled scientific studies, as well as being published in peer reviewed scientific journals. No other attention training products can match the research case behind Cogmed.

During each Cogmed session, the user completes eight exercises, each consisting of 15 trials. The mouse is used to punch in the answers—and earn points along the way. The program stays a step ahead of the child’s ability, making exercises increasingly harder. Some of the Cogmed tasks include:

• Watching lamps light up one at a time, and then recalling the correct sequence by clicking the correct locations with a computer mouse.

• Hearing and watching a sequence of numbers while they are spoken aloud and flashed on a keypad. After each sequence, they are then asked to reproduce the sequence in reverse order by hitting the correct digits on the keypad.

• Watching a group of “asteroids” move across the screen and light up in sequence. The student must try to recall which asteroids lit up and in what order.

• Hearing a series of letters read aloud (“S, F, Q, G, W…”) and repeating them back

• Watching lamps light up one at a time on a grid, then seeing the grid rotate 90 degrees. The student has to then recall the correct sequence--even though the lamps are now in different positions.

At Brain & Language Connections we offer three different Cogmed Working Memory Training programs: Cogmed JM for preschoolers, Cogmed RM for school-aged children and Cogmed QM for young adults.

Cogmed JM

Cogmed RM

Cogmed RM Main Menu

Cogmed QM

Why Cogmed Working Memory Training Works

- it does not teach you new skills, but rather helps you create a solid foundation for learning skills.

- the difficulty level of the training is adjusted by the software based on the user's performance. It is carefully designed, rigorous, and focused on a key cognitive function (working memory).

- it is always supported by a Cogmed-trained coach. The coach makes sure the user has the right program for the training, and that the timing is right. The coach is responsible for providing the motivation, support, and feedback necessary to get the most out the training.

- when you improve your working memory capacity, you improve fluid IQ - the ability to solve problems or adapt to situations as they occur. In other words, the change is translated to other things such as better able to pay attention, resist distractions, self-manage and learn.

How to Get Started

At Brain & Language Connections, we are proud to be one of only a few practices now offering Cogmed Working Memory Training for children and adolescents. The training, which is usually done at home, consists of 25 computerized sessions each 30-45 minutes long. The training program is five weeks long with five sessions every week. The complete program includes the following:

- Initial Interview

- Start-up session

- Five weeks of training with weekly coach calls

- Access to the Cogmed Training Web

- Wrap-up session (1 month after training is completed)

- Six months follow-up interview

- Cogmed Extension Training (100 additional sessions to be used over a 12 month period)

For more information on how Cogmed Working Memory Training can help you or your child, go to www.cogmed.com.au

For more information or to make a booking for a free information and demonstration session, call Anna on 0409 850082 or email info@blcspeech.com.au