New study to examine how ‘working memory’ affects math competency

"Children who struggle with mathematics will benefit from an innovative new Vanderbilt research project soon to launch in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools." according to Joan Brasher, Editor.

Photo: Vanderbilt University News

The National Center for Special Education Research (part of the U.S. Department of Education’s the Institute on Education Sciences) has awarded $3.5 million to faculty at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of education and human development to study working memory training for students at risk for math difficulties.

Working memory—the ability to hold information in short-term memory while performing other tasks—is a function of central importance in a wide range of cognitive tasks. Working memory supports learning in multiple areas, including reading comprehension and mathematics problem-solving. Students who struggle with learning in these areas often demonstrate weaknesses in working memory.

Douglas and Lynn Fuchs. 
Photo: Vanderbilt University News

Lead investigators are Lynn Fuchs and Doug Fuchs, Nicholas Hobbs Professors of Special Education and Human Development; and Sonya Sterba, assistant professor of psychology and human development.
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Source: Vanderbilt University News