It is generally accepted that a human brain can hold between five and nine pieces of information in working memory.
The load placed on working memory is dependent on:
- the choice of strategy
- the familiarity of the knowledge needed for the chosen strategy.
Being aware of short-term memory demands is an important feature of teaching for mental strategies. Here are some useful tips.
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Knowledge is important.
It influences the strategies a student sees as possible and provides the tools to use those strategies.
Teachers should equally emphasise knowing and working with knowledge to create new connections.
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Written recording and mental calculation are compatible.
Jotting ideas while working through a problem clarifies thoughts.
Recording information eases memory load.
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Critically evaluate choice of strategy.
Fluency, a proficiency in the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics, requires making efficient choices of strategy.
You can read more in the article Is Your Classroom Mental? on the AAMT website.
