What is the Working Memory Model

The working memory model is a framework put forward by Alan Baddeley to describe how human's store and manipulate information they are currently working with. In it's original form it outlined an executive controller, which designates our attention, which has two loops through which rehearsal can take place: the phonological loop, for auditory information, and the visuo-spatial skatchpad, for visual information. These two loops are independent from each other, and can be used complementarily. Later stages of the model have also introduced an episodic buffer, which is essentially a link between working memory and long-term memory. This model is the most well-known model in the description of working memory, although other models have been proposed - e.g. Cowan's Embedded Processes Model - and such theories can be used to improve classroom learning.