By definition, working memory is the whole combination of the awareness of moment-to-moment, as well as the instant retrieval of the information, constitutes that are archived. The working memory helps in the situations involving multiple steps that have intermediate results, which are to be temporarily kept in mind in a bid to accomplish the task at hand. Working memory capacity is of the great essence during the process of solving such problem since it assists the solver of the problem to have their attention focussed, resist any distraction as well as in narrowing of the search through a problem space.
Further, the working memory capacity also determines the rate at which an individual can acquire as well as process the new information that can help in the solution of an encountered problem. Therefore, the working memory capacity is a prerequisite for the strategic planning, cognitive flexibility, as well as the speed involved in the transfer of information to the long-term memory; hence, benefits the creative insight. The study also confirmed that the working memory capacity provides a retrieval cue for the positive material that exists in the memory, which results into multiple interpretations as well as organizations of various elements in the memory leading to contributions in the creativity of the associations. For example in complex analysis and critical assessment tests.
Role of encoding in the ability of students to solve problems
Markedly, encoding is essential in the process of mediating knowledge activation effect in the process of solving a problem. Furthermore, encoding helps in the noticing of the relevant features that exist in the problem that should be solved. For example, correct encoding helps the problem solver to notice the exact operator sign in a mathematical problem, which aids in the right solution for the particular mathematical problem. Besides, misencoding these relevant features automatically make the problem solver to come up with the wrong answer to the problem. In the second case, the problem solver will come up with the wrong solution to the mathematical question because of using a wrong operator sign. Encoding also results in a variance in the solving problem performance that includes the divergent thinking skills as well as reasoning that are not attributed to the solver's disabilities.
Role of metacognition in the ability of students to solve problems
Metacognition is of great essence in the process of finding a solution for a problem because it involves creating awareness for the problem in the solver's thinking, application of heuristics as well as regulation and monitoring of the cognitive process. Therefore, it is one of the predictors of the ability of an individual for problem-solving. Notably, metacognition has been proven in various researches to be developing with an individual's age. However, metacognition skills can be incorporated to help an individual in problem-solving. For instance, a teacher giving his students more effective instructions helps incorporate the metacognitive skills that intern improves the manner in which the students in question solve various problems. The fact that metacognition has the executive skills that relate to both the self-regulation as well as the monitoring of a person's cognitive activities makes it enhance the ability of the individual to solve problems.
