What common factor contributes significantly to learning difficulties in reading and math?

The option indicating short-term memory as a common factor contributing significantly to learning difficulties in reading and math is grounded in the fundamental role memory plays in these academic skills. Short-term memory, often referred to as working memory, enables students to hold and manipulate information over brief periods. This is crucial for tasks such as following multi-step instructions in math or decoding words while reading.

In reading, for instance, children must remember the sounds of letters and how they blend together to form words, along with comprehension of the text. If a student's short-term memory is compromised, they may struggle to hold onto the beginning of a sentence while trying to understand the end, leading to significant comprehension challenges.

Similarly, in math, working memory is needed to keep track of numbers while performing calculations and to follow the steps required to solve problems. If a student cannot retain and manipulate information effectively, they may face difficulties grasping mathematical concepts or completing assignments accurately.

While other factors like processing speed, fluid reasoning, and crystallized intelligence each play their own roles in academic achievement, short-term memory directly influences the ability to learn and apply new information in real-time, making it a key contributor to difficulties in reading and math.