Researchers are increasingly interested in working memory (WM) training. However, it is unclear whether it strengthens comprehension in young children who are at risk for learning difficulties. We conducted a modest study of whether the training of verbal WM would improve verbal WM and passage listening comprehension and whether training effects…

An intervening variable between perceptual deficits and academic learning--verbal mediation processes--is explored. Research reviewed, primarily that of A. Luria, leads to the conclusion that verbal mediational processes can compensate for perceptual learning process deficits. Relevant teaching applications are discussed. (Author)

Twenty-three impulsive, high-active first graders were trained to verbally mediate responses on a multiple choice task. (Author/CL)

Effects of high activity level and cognitive impulsivity on the production of relevant, task-directed verbalizations were examined in a group of 90 second graders. Impulsivity-reflectivity was related to the production of both spontaneous and induced on-task verbalizations, but high activity level ratings were not. (Author/CL)

The impact of a child's learning disability on the family system is explored using Feuerstein's concept of mediated learning experience. Four prototypical patterns of family response are identified, with descriptions of the mediational restrictions and potentialities embedded within them. (DB)