Test Formats for Children With Memory Weaknesses

Students who have excessive difficulty with traditional tests may have memory weaknesses.

Children who have difficulties with testing in the classroom may be suffering from memory weaknesses. Such weaknesses can affect how easily a child is able to recall the information he has learned. When taking traditional tests, the child may become overwhelmed and less likely to answer the questions correctly. Certain testing formats may make tests easier for these children.

Multiple Choice

A test that incorporates multiple choice answers helps a student with memory weakness to be more likely to come up with the correct answer. If the correct answer, along with several incorrect answers, is presented in the test, the student will be able to take the time to think about the question and consider all of the answers. This extra time and consideration may be enough to help the student determine the correct answer.

Timed Tests

Some teachers give timed tests to help students brush up on their math. Standardized tests also may require a time limit. A student who suffers from memory problems may become stressed knowing she has only a specific amount of time to complete the test; when she is stressed, she is less likely to produce the right answers. Teachers should give students with diagnosed memory problems extended time for tests so the students can think things through.

Multiple Sections

Children with memory difficulties cannot typically remember multiple sets of instructions at a time. This can make tests with several sections more difficult to complete. A teacher could either format the test for a student with memory problems using only one type of question so the student will not need to remember different directions, or the teacher could pause between each section of the test to re-explain the directions to help the student remember what he needs to do.

Visual Aids

Some students with memory problems learn better with visual aids than by listening or reading. If a child in the class requires visual stimulation to help her remember material for testing, the teacher can implement visual aids into the testing process. The other students might also use these aids, depending on the set-up the teacher creates or the needs or desires of the other students. Setting up a diagram on the board or handing out papers with diagrams and graphs that relate to the test material can help children with memory difficulties.

References

• Preemie Help: Strategies For Memory Difficulties
• Child Development Institute: Suggested Classroom Interventions For Children With ADD & Learning Disabilities
• Parrot Publishing: Special Education For Inclusive Classrooms: Accommodation Strategies
• Center For Development and Learning: 10 Strategies to Enhance Students' Memories