Building a Better Memory

The Turnabout Programme has a major impact for learners with the characteristics of dyslexia and attention deficit disorders. The Turnabout Programme develops many aspects of memory and other mental attributes to enable effective learning to take place.

Turnabout activities target specific aspects of memory; working memory, visual memory, auditory memory, memory retrieval, memory sequencing. Turnabout develops the interface between working and long-term memory, facilitating accurate retrieval of previous learning and helping pupils to retain information.

Following three months of Turnabout training, schools find that their pupils are able to make accelerated progress in literacy and are able to retain what they have learned. Many pupils with prior learning difficulties have advanced their reading age by one, two and sometimes three years, after only three months with this programme.

Making the Difference

Sequencing

Sequencing is a core skill that Turnabout develops very effectively. This is an essential capability that is rarely considered. Without the ability to sequence, it is very difficult to learn to read and to spell through a phonetical approach. Sequencing skills are needed in every subject and in everything we ask of our pupils. These include maintaining a story line, writing a cohesive report in geography or an account of a science experiment and, of course, for solving mathematical problems.

Making the Difference

Visual Memory

Recognising and remembering the many common English words that are not spelt phonetically requires an effective visual memory. Pupils with weak visual memory skills will struggle to read effectively however much additional support and teaching they receive. There are activities within the programme that specifically focus on the improvement of visual memory. The writing provides an example of weak visual memory as discussed in the training.

Making the Difference
Making the Difference

Auditory Memory

Learning through phonics requires a capable auditory memory. Reading programmes based on phonics and traditional reading practice will not succeed if there is a deficit in the auditory capabilities of the pupil - until the underlying causes of their learning difficulties are redressed. There are activities within the programme that specifically focus on the improvement of auditory memory. The example of writing shown exhibits characteristics of weak auditory processing and this is discussed on the training.

Making the Difference
Making the Difference

Spatial Capability

This piece of writing from a nine-year-old illustrates many dyslexic characteristics including significant spatial difficulties illustrated by the uneven writing and writing that overlaps the fold of the birthday card. Many of the activities within Turnabout aim to redress this deficit.

"The student I work with enjoys the sessions and looks forward to the session. Today I compared their handwriting at the start of the school year to pieces completed today in English and Geography and there has been a noticeable improvement - writing on the line, letters more appropriately sized and regular spacing between the words."

Making the Difference