ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of pupils' working memory and the efficiency and speed of their information recall. Working memory is used to manipulate information mentally and is the type of memory that pupils are required to use most frequently in school. Working memory acts to hold information in mind and to use it to complete tasks over a short period of time. Working memory is a better predictor of academic success than IQ score, and being in possession of a good memory will give a child a real advantage in school. Working memory requires the pupil to work with one piece of information whilst holding other pieces of information in mind and moving concentration backwards and forwards between the two. Different aspects of executive functioning may interact in a negative way, for example, pupils' recall will be affected by their level of attention.
