The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources

Working Memory and Memory Superpowers with Psychologist Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway


Listen Later

Send us a text

In this episode, I explore the fascinating findings on working memory, its impact on academic attainment, and the promising avenues for intervention and support. How does working memory determine student success and how can it be improved? 

Over the years, studies conducted by Dr. Alloway (www.tracypackiam.com)  have provided growing evidence of the significant connection between working memory and academic achievement. The capacity of an individual's working memory plays a crucial role in their ability to acquire knowledge and develop new skills. Deficits in working memory have been observed in various learning difficulties including reading disorders, math difficulties, ADHD, and motor impairments.

In fact, Alloway's large-scale screening study revealed that one in ten students experience working memory deficits, leading to below-average performance in language and math. Surprisingly, research also indicated that all components of working memory are present by the age of 4. As a result, it is vital to prioritize finding effective interventions to overcome these challenges and maximize students' learning potential.

Traditionally, working memory was believed to be genetically fixed, however, recent studies highlight the remarkable plasticity of the developing brain and suggest that working memory capacity can potentially be enhanced through environmental interventions and support.

Join us as we delve into the world of working memory and its implications for optimizing learning outcomes with Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway. She is an award-winning psychologist, professor of memory, 15 time author and Associate Editor of the Educational and Developmental Psychologist journal. 

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

  1. Listen to the full episode
  2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
  3. Enter code 800100 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & ResourcesBy Dr. Lisa Hassler