Memory Difficulties

What Are Memory Difficulties?

Learning depends on three types of memory: working memory (holding pieces of information in mind until they form a complete thought), short-term memory (temporarily storing information), and long-term memory (information retained over time). Students can have difficulty with any of these — and with either auditory or visual memory specifically — which can affect their ability to follow instructions, retain what they’ve learned, and build on prior knowledge.

How Porter Academy Addresses Memory Difficulties

• Multi-sensory, layered instruction engages multiple senses at once, which supports stronger encoding and retention than single-sense instruction alone
• Structured, cumulative curricula — like Wilson Decoding/Encoding — are specifically designed to revisit and reinforce previously learned material rather than moving on before it’s retained
• Daily planners serve as an external memory support, helping students track what was covered and what’s expected of them
• Reflection at the end of tasks — recapping what was learned, what was hard, and how it connects to other learning — supports the transfer of new information into longer-term memory
• Homework designed as reinforcement, not new learning, gives students repeated, low-pressure practice with material they’ve already been taught

Learn More

For general background on memory and learning, we recommend the Learning Disabilities Association of America.