Working Memory is More Important than IQ
The traditional reliance on IQ as a benchmark for academic success is misguided. The study*, which tested children at five years old and again at eleven, found that a child’s success in literacy and numeracy is down to how good their working memory is regardless of IQ score.
This finding is important as it addresses concerns that general intelligence, still viewed as a key predictor of academic success, is unreliable. An individual can have an average IQ score but perform poorly in learning.
The study also found that, as opposed to IQ, working memory is not linked to the parents’ level of education or socio-economic background. This means all children regardless of background or environmental influence can have the same opportunities to fulfil potential if working memory is assessed and problems addressed where necessary.
memory addresses
April 5th, 2010
7:00 pm