Executive Functioning - Memory Skills

 "Kirk is having the same type of problem in the 9th grade as he did in junior high.  He seems to understand the math lesson when his teacher asks him a question that day, but by the next day things are fuzzy.  In fact, he sometimes skips entire rows of problems, especially under testing conditions.  If the work is too demanding, he generally gives up instead of asking for help.  Kirk's teacher things that if Kirk would just slow down and recheck his work he would be able to replace the D on his report card.  Instead he is just relying on a "guess and go".  Really, the problem may have more to do with his lack of deep understanding because of an inability to see and remember patterns." 

We all may have students like Kirk that really struggle with poor memory.  Memory issues can be difficult to understand for both students and teachers.  Students who can't master skills often feel that it is impossible to succeed and when they try and try and still do not see benefits, they start to not care and it looks like a lack of effort and motivation. 

Margaret Searle takes a chapter in her book, Causes and Cures, to talk to us about working memory.  If you are interested in learning more, you can find a copy of the chapter HERE.   I think memory issues may be on the of the hardest deficits to overcome - but having some idea of what students are really struggling with helps us not to take their learning struggles personally.  Here are a few things that help students that struggle with memory: 

WHAT WORKS: Adjusting work that is too challenging by breaking it down into manageable pieces; visuals; encouraging verbalization of thinking and teaching students ways to ask for help; praising students for their efforts; helping them see mistakes as opportunities to learn; not giving up on students, even though they have given up on themselves; apply gradual release of responsibility.  Success builds motivation for positive change. 

WHAT DOESN'T WORK:  Acting different towards students when they appear to be unmotivated; moving on when they don't understand the basics; not including guided practice and specific feedback; making students feel that low grades are what they deserve; being impatient or sarcastic

Classroom Protocol Idea:  "Say Something" (Could be a great disciplinary literacy strategy!) 

Important Information: 

Faculty Meeting - We will have a Faculty Meeting on Tuesday, February 15th at 7:25 a.m. in the high school library.  Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Day of Love - Because we love all of you, Janet and Sheila have arranged for us to have some sweet treats on 2/14/22!  Be sure to visit the office for some fun!  

SAT Testing - Dana has been sharing the SAT schedule for March 2nd.  Please be on the look for this 11th grade test.  It is our first year for this test and many details.  We appreciate your help in making it a smooth success!! 

Scheduling - The Guidance Department is in the middle of scheduling!  They are sharing their plan to reach out to students.  We appreciate your flexibility with this. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know. 

2-22-22 - Don't forget to turn in a picture of your Two-Year old self for a fun game on this special day!  You can email your pictures to Dana and Phil.  We are getting a lot of great pictures!