002. How to Help Struggling Students: A Look into Working Memory

Ever feel like your students hear everything you say… but retain almost nothing? (Cue the teacher guilt.) The truth is — it might not be your teaching at all. It might just be working memory doing its thing.

In this episode, I’m breaking down Cognitive Load Theory — in plain, teacher-friendly language — and sharing exactly how working memory impacts student learning. More importantly, I’m giving you clear strategies for how to teach in a way that actually sticks.

This one’s for every teacher who has ever wondered:

→ Why do my students forget what I literally just taught?

→ How do I help struggling learners without completely reteaching every day?

→ What does this look like in real life without adding to my already full plate?

In this Episode, You’ll Learn:

✔️ What Cognitive Load Theory is (without the fancy jargon)

✔️ How working memory works — and why it’s smaller than we think

✔️ The 3 Types of Cognitive Load (and which one is secretly good)

✔️ Practical, doable strategies to support struggling students

✔️ Real-life classroom tips to make learning stick longer

Episode Highlights:

• Why working memory is like a tiny whiteboard
• The difference between Intrinsic, Extraneous, and Germane Load
• Easy ways to reduce overwhelm for students (and yourself!)
• Why simplifying your slides, notes, and instructions might be the ultimate power move
• My favorite simple shifts to boost student retention

Resources & Links:

→ Grab the Ultimate ELA Toolkit (my free guide packed with ready-to-use literacy strategies!) → bridgingliteracy.com/toolkit

→ Learn more about The Writing Bridge – my step-by-step writing course for 3rd-6th grade teachers → bridgingliteracy.com/the-writing-bridge

Let’s Connect! Instagram → @bridging.literacy

Website → www.bridgingliteracy.com