Pearson has launched Cogmed Working Memory Training for K-12 students in U.S. schools. Used in schools in Sweden since 2003, Cogmed training is an evidence-based, computer training program that strengthens students’ working memory and learning abilities. Delivered to students via computer at school or at home, Cogmed Working Memory Training consists of 25 sessions of 30 to 40 minutes each over a five-week period.
Joni Holmes, Ph.D., a cognitive developmental psychologist and senior investigator scientist at the Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, in the United Kingdom, was one of the first independent academic researchers to investigate the effects of Cogmed training.
“Children with poor working memory skills struggle to complete many common classroom activities that require large amounts of information to be held in mind, and typically fall behind in both reading and math at school. In our research, working memory scores improved for the majority of these children immediately after completing the Cogmed program and were sustained for a further six months without any additional intervention. Gains in working memory were measured by independent, and validated working memory assessments that were not trained,” said Dr. Holmes.
