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How to Teach Division to a Student With Poor Memory Skills

Young students with poor memory skills are a challenge to any educator. The basis of the learning process is the memory itself, so when students have poor or irregular memories it presents a problem to common teaching approaches. According to Glenda Thorne, PhD., "The memory demands for school-age children are much greater than they are for adults." Working directly with students to discover their specific needs and learning styles is the key to understanding an individual's memory issues. However, students with actual brain injuries or severe learning disabilities may need to attend a specialized program.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk with the student one on one. Have them try to address the memory issue they are having so you can better serve them. Ask them specifics about what they struggle with and what may have worked for them in the past.

    • 2

      Present the division problem to them visually. Use drawn objects like circles to represent the problem and the numbers involved. Divide the number of circles in half with a line to show them what's going on.

    • 3

      Arrange for the student to have something physical to work the problem out with. Allow them to have blocks so that they can physically experience the division problem rather than just working with something abstract. Have them divide the number of blocks using the relevant division problem.

    • 4

      Return to the basics of division if the child is struggling with harder problems. Work them back up to something more complex by starting with simpler problems to rebuild their confidence and base of knowledge.

    • 5

      Consult with the student's parents. Ask them about what sort of experiences the child has had in past education and how the family has dealt with it. Instruct them in working with their child on a nightly basis and assisting with math and division problems.

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