Working memory and learning in children: a matter of attention

Sophie Portrat (1)

1 LPNC - Laboratoire de Psychologie et NeuroCognition

Memorizing is crucial for human beings because it constitutes the fundamental step in acquiring knowledge. Among the different memory systems, the one called "working memory" works continuously to simultaneously memorize and process information. It is particularly important in children who are continually confronted to learning situations. It has long been considered that memorizing required verbalizing and repeating. The present paper offers an alternative conception: working memory relies on attentional mechanisms constrained by time and do not depend on verbal characteristics. The empirical analyses we present here do not only conduct to important theoretical conclusions, they also give a glimpse of practical applications for preventing school failure.

Domaines: Psychologie

Sophie Portrat. Working memory and learning in children: a matter of attention. Annales de la Fondation Fyssen, 2011, pp.53-62. ⟨hal-00824139⟩