Examples of Overall Difficulties:

Short-Term Memory

• Difficulty remembering multi-step directions

• Problems remembering a series of information

• Difficulty with the initial mastery of material

• Difficulty with vocabulary development

• Problems copying information

• Weaknesses in transferring information from source to source

• Difficulty retaining and synthesizing information presented

Working Memory

• Failure to use strategies while studying

• Difficulty paraphrasing and summarizing information

• Confusion and comprehension problems can exist during extended explanations or multi-step instructions

• Students may raise their hand only to forget what they were going to say or lose their train of thought while speaking

Overall Strategies

• Use a stepwise approach to studying

• Use rehearsal strategies (rhymes, acronyms, anagrams, associations, and/or mnemonics)

  1. Rhyming can be used to help students remember words and facts (Columbus in 1492 and ocean blue)

  2. First letter mnemonics-(HOMES to remember the great lakes)

• Model retelling, paraphrasing, and summarizing

• Use lists, notes, checklists, or memory plans

• Agenda books/calendars

• Apps available: Wunderlist, Nudge, and BugMe!

Accommodations

• Provide copies of notes and outlines for notes

• Write on tests or materials to eliminate transfer errors

• Write important information on the board

• Deliver information in smaller units or portions

• Use multimodal presentation of information (visual, tactile, and auditory)

• Have fewer problems to complete, focusing on accuracy