What is processing speed? Processing speed is how quickly one can get information, think about the information, form a response and give the response. Essentially processing speed is how fast one can do a task.
“Decreased processing speed can impair the effectiveness of working memory.” (Flanagan, 2004)
Strategies to improve processing speed:
1) Overlearning/ Improving Fluency: By having the task become automatic this will allow less concentration on the task, which will lessen the amount of time needed to process the
information.
Other possibilities:
· Connect prior knowledge to already known knowledge
· Structured routines
· Additional time
· Peer Buddy / opportunities to participate in collaborative learning
· Have student repeat or summarize information
· Encourage student to become own advocate—ask for help
· Give wait time to allow student to process information at a comfortable rate
· Pair multiple modalities (ex: verbal with a visual cue)
