Differences in Working Memory among a Sample of Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Pupils in the Primary Education Stage under the Supervision of the Department of Education in Souq al-Jum'ah Municipality

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the differences in working memory capacity among a sample of fifth and sixth-grade primary school students in Souq Al-Jumaa municipality, Tripoli. The study employed a comparative descriptive methodology, with a sample of (160) male and female students selected via simple random sampling (80 from the fifth grade and 80 from the sixth grade). To achieve the study's objectives, a working memory scale measuring three components (Central Executive, Phonological Loop, and Visuo-spatial Sketchpad) was utilized after ensuring its psychometric properties. The results revealed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in working memory capacity across all dimensions and the total score, attributed to the grade level variable in favor of sixth-grade students. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the developmental progression of working memory when designing educational curricula and classroom activities.