Working Memory Worksheet

Exercise 1: Number Sequence Reversal

Below is a number sequence. Look at the sequence for 10 seconds. When you are ready, write the sequence in reverse order from memory.

Sequence: 3, 8, 4, 7, 2, 9, 5

Your answer:

Exercise 2: Word List Recall

Read the following list of words carefully. After reviewing them for 15 seconds, cover the list and write down as many words as you can remember.

Words: apple, river, mountain, bicycle, window, castle, ocean

Your recalled words:

Exercise 3: Pattern Recognition

Study the pattern sequence below. Then, describe the pattern or complete the next item in the sequence.

Pattern: A1, B2, C3, D4, ...

Your explanation or next item:

Reflection Question

Write a short reflection on which exercise you found the most challenging and why. What strategies might help you improve your working memory for such tasks?

Executive Function Overview Reading

What Are Executive Function Skills?

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks successfully. These skills are like the brain's control center, helping you to organize your thoughts and actions.

Focus on Working Memory

Working memory is one of the key executive functions. It is the ability to hold information in your mind for a short period of time and use it to complete a task. For instance, when you follow a set of directions or solve a math problem, working memory is at work. It allows you to recall what you just read, remember a sequence of events, or even hold on to a phone number long enough to dial it.

Everyday Examples:

• Remembering Steps: When you follow a recipe, working memory helps you remember the steps involved.
• Academic Tasks: While reading a textbook, you might hold key details in your mind to understand the overall topic.
• Problem Solving: When planning your day, you use working memory to keep track of your schedule and responsibilities.

Why Are These Skills Important?

Strong executive function skills, including working memory, are essential for academic success and effective problem-solving in daily life. They allow you to:

• Stay organized and focused on your tasks.
• Break down complex tasks into manageable steps.
• Adapt swiftly when plans change or unexpected challenges arise.

Making It Relatable

Imagine trying to watch a movie while texting—it's hard to follow either activity because your working memory is overloaded. That's why training this skill is so important. By practicing strategies that enhance working memory, you can improve your ability to concentrate, learn, and complete tasks smoothly.

Strategies to Enhance Working Memory:

• Mindfulness and Focus: Practice focusing on one task at a time.
• Repetition: Repeat information (like a phone number) to help it stick in your mind.
• Visualization: Picture scenarios or sequences in your head to remember important details.

By strengthening your working memory, you're not just improving a skill—you’re opening doors to better academic performance and problem-solving abilities in your everyday life.

Discussion Prompts for Working Memory

In this discussion, we will explore your personal experiences with working memory and how it impacts your daily life. Use the questions below to reflect on your experiences and share your thoughts. Feel free to provide detailed responses and examples from your own life.

Guidelines for the Discussion:

• Listen Actively: When engaging in discussion, make sure to listen carefully to all responses.
• Be Reflective: Think deeply about your experiences with remembering and multitasking.
• Share Examples: Concrete examples from your daily routine or academic work can help illustrate your insights.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about something, ask for clarification or share your curiosity with the group.

Discussion Questions:

1. Personal Experience: Think about a time when you struggled to remember important details (like a phone number, instructions, or a series of steps). What happened? How did you feel during that moment?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Problem-Solving Techniques: Can you share any strategies you have used, or could use, to help you remember key information when under pressure (like during tests or when following multi-step instructions)?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Everyday Impacts: How do you think a strong working memory contributes to your everyday life, including both academic and non-academic tasks? Provide specific examples.
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Challenges & Improvements: Which working memory tasks (remembering numbers, word lists, patterns, etc.) do you find most challenging and why? What improvements would you like to see for yourself in these areas?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Future Strategies: Brainstorm ways to enhance your working memory. What lifestyle changes, study habits, or habits could you adopt to make working memory improvement a part of your routine?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Feel free to add any additional thoughts or questions you have on this subject. Your insights are valuable and can help shape a productive learning environment for everyone!

Reading Comprehension Strategies

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand, remember, and gain meaning from what you read. This is a key skill that enhances learning and academic success. Below are some effective strategies to boost your reading comprehension:

1. Preview the Text

Before diving into the reading, take a few moments to skim the text. Look at headings, subheadings, images, and any highlighted or bolded text. This will give you a roadmap of the main ideas and help set your focus.

2. Ask Questions

As you read, ask yourself questions about the text. Consider the following:

• What is the main idea?
• What are the supporting details?
• Why is this information important?

This approach can prompt deeper thinking and engagement with the material.

3. Visualize the Content

Try to create mental images of the scenarios or concepts described. Visualizing what you are reading can make the information more memorable and easier to understand.

4. Summarize and Paraphrase

Pause periodically and summarize what you've read in your own words. This ensures you're processing the information and helps solidify your understanding. Write down a quick summary or explain it to someone else.

5. Make Connections

Relate the text to your own experiences, previous knowledge, or other texts you have read. Making connections helps meaningfully integrate new information with what you already know.

6. Use Annotation Techniques

Underline or highlight key points as you read. Write notes or questions in the margins. This active approach keeps you engaged and makes it easier to review the content later.

7. Practice Active Reading

Stay focused by eliminating distractions. Take breaks if needed, and try to read with the intent to understand and reflect upon the material rather than just passing your eyes over it. Active reading can involve re-reading difficult sections until you gain clarity.

By regularly applying these strategies, you'll develop stronger reading comprehension skills. The goal is to not only read the words but also to fully understand and engage with the material, making your study sessions more productive and meaningful.