Learning & Assessment
TBI impacts one’s memory ability, which is essential for learning. The hippocampus and medial temporal lobes, where the memory systems are located, are most vulnerable to TBI (Morrow & Duff, 2023). Deficits in working memory after TBI can cause learning difficulties. Various teaching and learning methods are available to assist both the teacher and the student to compensate for cognitive changes that have occurred. These cognitive changes not only affect the memory, but also one’s personality, which may make it difficult to work with the person who has a TBI. For example, the cognitive process in remembering a phone number includes five distinct actions that, for most people, are automatic processes. The five actions are:
- Senses – e.g., hearing the phone number
- Attention – e.g., paying attention to the phone number
- Short-term memory – e.g., storing a number in the memory for around 20 seconds
- Rehearsal – e.g., rehearing a number “in one’s head”
- Long-term memory – e.g., storing a number permanently
(Ferry, n.d.)
Table 2 provides strategies used to assist with various cognitive and behavior changes. These strategies can be used with other students who may be experiencing some of these traits.
Table 2
Strategies for Various Cognitive Issues
Cognitive Issue |
Symptoms |
Strategies |
Attention |
*trouble concentrating *distracted *not able to complete tasks |
*remove physical distractions *use short, simple directions and sentences *give reminders of next steps |
Information Processing Speed |
*unable to keep track of long conversations *taking longer to complete tasks |
*allow extra time *present information in small chunks |
Memory |
*forgetting appointments *frequently losing things |
*give reminders/repeat information *keep belongings in a regular place |
Planning & organizing |
*difficulty with organizing steps in a process *not considering consequences |
*use patience and prompts *use lists of steps in order |
Note. This table is adapted from Kerry (n.d.).