Working Memory Training With and Without Strategy Instruction
About the Intervention
Working Memory Training With and Without Strategy Instruction is a verbal working memory training program designed for first-grade students at risk for learning difficulties. The intervention involves one-on-one sessions where students complete four verbal working memory tasks (Counting Figures, Calculation Span, Operation Span, and Puzzles) in 35-minute daily sessions over 10 consecutive school days (totaling 5.8 hours). Two versions exist: one with explicit rehearsal strategy instruction where students are taught to verbally rehearse information aloud repeatedly, and one without strategy instruction where students simply practice the tasks. The training uses adaptive difficulty matched to students' performance and includes points and small prizes for engagement. Research assistants deliver the intervention following scripted protocols.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on trained verbal working memory tasks
Positive effect: on untrained verbal working memory task (Listening Recall)
Positive effect: on passage listening comprehension
Positive effect: on listening retell
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Economically DisadvantagedPrograms & Services
Remedial EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
Douglas, F. & Peng, P. (2017). A Randomized Control Trial of Working Memory Training with and without Strategy Instruction: Effects on Young Children's Working Memory and Comprehension (EJ1122419). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1122419.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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