[senco-forum] Working Memory

Some years ago an examination of several hundred EP reports showed that working memory deficit was a factor in about 85% of children with non-specific reading difficulties. I understand that this finding is reflected in WISC/BAS tests nationally although there is no agreement as to the effect of this on the reading learning process. I have also found using tests, that such children invariably also have very limited sight vocabularies and that their reading, due to the absence of the sight vocabulary which underpins reading fluency, is a laborious, continuous decoding process

I know of no way of improving working memory function generally but I have found in limjited pilot studies, that as far as reading is concerned, proactive sight vocabulary extension exercises do result in significantly improved reading age scores.  I am currently re-examining this particular effect in a piece of practical research over two terms with a good sample of poor readers.

Eddie C.