Practicing Working Memory: 5 Engaging Strategies for High School Classrooms

Posted In Application On February 27, 2025

Practicing working memory is essential for high school students to improve academic performance and build essential executive function skills. As teachers, incorporating executive function instruction into daily lessons can empower students by enhancing their ability to retain and manipulate information. Below are five engaging student strategies to integrate into your classroom that will help students strengthen their working memory skills.

1. Self-Monitoring Attention Behaviors

Understanding how students pay attention in different learning environments is key to solving executive function challenges. Have students document their own paying attention behaviors in various settings—lecture-based instruction, group work, independent study, and hands-on activities. Encourage students to reflect on whether their attention patterns remain consistent or vary based on the environment. This activity fosters student self-awareness and metacognition, both critical components of executive function learning.

2. Acronyms for Multi-Step Processes

Students often struggle with remembering multiple-step processes, whether for solving equations, writing essays, or conducting experiments. One effective executive function strategy is to create acronyms for tasks or procedures with three or more steps. Model this by co-creating a classroom acronym for a process, then challenge students to develop their own for a multi-step task they frequently encounter. Documenting and practicing these acronyms reinforces memory retention and develops stronger learning habits.

3. Checking In: Am I On Task?

Teaching executive function skills includes helping students recognize when they are off task and guiding them toward refocusing strategies. Provide structured moments in class for students to check in with themselves. If they find they are not on task, have them evaluate why—what is distracting them, what they are doing instead, and the consequences of losing focus. Encourage students to practice this self-check in different learning environments, helping them improve their self-awareness, focus, and behavior.

4. Practicing Working Memory Through Thought Tracking Journals

An essential aspect of executive function intervention is teaching students to identify distractions and regulate their thoughts. Have students maintain a thought-tracking journal over several days, jotting down instances when their mind wanders during class. Encourage them to reflect on recurring themes—are there particular times of the day, subjects, or stressors that consistently disrupt their focus? Recognizing these patterns can lead to effective solutions, improved student confidence, and better executive function system development.

5. Chunking and Teaching for Retention

Chunking information is a proven executive function tool that enhances working memory. Divide content-related material into sections and assign each group a portion to summarize and present. Each group should prepare comprehension questions to reinforce learning. This collaborative approach not only improves students’ academic performance but also strengthens students’ social skills by encouraging peer interaction and cooperative learning.

Strengthening Executive Function Skills Beyond the Classroom

By practicing working memory through these activities, students develop stronger cognitive skills that improve their academic performance and everyday problem-solving abilities. Executive function instruction is not just about memory—it’s about building adaptable learners who can manage their learning needs independently.

Want more strategies for different grade levels? Check out our additional resources:

• Practicing Working Memory Strategies for Grades 1-4
• Practicing Working Memory Strategies for Grades 5-8

For more executive function lessons and tools, explore Cerebrate’s Executive Function Curriculum. Stay updated with the latest executive function strategies—Sign Up for Our Newsletter today!