Dear Jacqui, Please could you tell me more about working memory and the Cogmed programme?
Working memory is the ability to briefly remember information and use this information in your thinking. Your working memory is closely related to your ability to concentrate. You can remember information for a short while by concentrating on it but it disappears from your memory if you are distracted. You use your working memory for a number of things such as:
- Keeping all the parts of a number in your memory while you calculate it
- Remembering instructions about what to do next
- Reading and remembering what you read
- Problem solving
- Sequencing a task (doing each step in the right order)
- Focusing on the task at hand without being distracted
- Planning, organising and structuring your daily life
Cogmed is a research based computer programme that improves working memory with lasting effect over time. Anyone aged 4 to adult can do it (there are 3 types of programmes depending on age). The Cogmed coach does a baseline assessment, explains the programme, and sets up your username and password. You access Cogmed from your home computer or it may be done at school. Sessions can be done over 5 to 8 weeks between 45 to 20 minutes per day, 5 days a week. The information on the user’s performance is automatically sent to the coach to analyse and monitor.
Please contact Jacqui Wright, who is a Cogmed coach, if you are interested in knowing more about this programme.
