The effect of memory training on children with learning difficulty

• Main Authors: Yehia A. Abo-Ras, Nesrine H. Hamouda, Rana A. El-Shafaei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2018-08-01
• Series: The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology
• Subjects: auditory memory; learning difficulty; memory training; the ‘no-glamour memory’; training program; working memory
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.4103/ejo.ejo_4_18
• ISSN: 1012-5574; 2090-8539

Abstract Background Learning is a step by step process that relies on successful completion of individual learning activities for accumulation of knowledge. Failure of working memory (auditory and visual memory) can lead to inattentive behavior. The end result is frequently lost learning opportunities and so slow rates of educational progress. Objective The aim of this study is to adapt and apply the ‘no-glamour memory’ training program to suit the Egyptian learning disabled children to outline a program for training and test its effectiveness. Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 20 school-age children complaining of learning difficulty and memory problems who were attending the Unit of Phoniatrics, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Alexandria Main University Hospitals. All children were assessed using the protocol of assessment of learning difficulties and memory deficits and were reevaluated after a period of 3–6 months of training. Results In the present study, there was significant improvement of the studied group in the different tests such as Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, childhood attention and adjustment survey, Arabic dyslexia assessment test, and test of memory and learning 2nd ed., after therapy. Conclusion Memory training can have an effect on domain-general cognitive mechanisms; thus, these results benefit multiple areas of cognition and learning.