Is Neville getting better at Potions?

[scoutmom21113]

No: HPFGUIDX 94517

Pippin:
I am wondering if Neville simply does better with the instructions 
all written on the board OWL style, instead of having to keep track 
of Snape's oral instructions.
*snip*
In Herbology and CoMC where everything is done by demonstration, and 
in History of Magic and Divination where there is written 
instruction as well as verbal, Neville seems to do all right.

Janet:
This would seem to support the widespread theory that Neville's 
memory has been damaged somehow (intentionally or otherwise).  He'd 
have trouble remembering verbal instructions once they were over, 
but if all he had to do was look at written instructions when he 
needed to, he'd have far less trouble.

Joe in SoFla:
There may be something to this. In fact, I think this culminates 
during the Potions OWL (Ch. 31, OotP) it says:

<<The afternoon practical was not as dreadful as he had expected it 
to be. With Snape absent from the proceedings, he found that he was 
much more relaxed than he usually was while making potions. Neville, 
who was sitting very near Harry, also looked happier than Harry had 
ever seen him during a Potions class.>>

Julie:
Then this would suggest that Neville's performance deteriorates due 
to anxiety. As for the trouble remember verbal instructions, 
passwords, etc., Neville may have difficulties with receptive 
language and verbal memory, both of which may be affected by a 
memory charm.

Bookworm:
I think Neville's problems may be a combination of fear/anxiety in 
Snape's class and his learning style. I'm reasonably intelligent [no 
comments, please ;-)] and am a visual/kinesthetic person. I have 
trouble remembering things that aren't written down. (Can I blame 
the "senior moments" on a memory charm?) If I were in Snape's class 
as a teenager, I probably would have done poorly, too. 

Neville's best subject is Herbology – a hands-on kind of subject. 
It's interesting that of all the students mentioned during the 
O.W.L. chapter, the only time Neville is mentioned is during the 
Potions exam. Was that a hint? I wonder what surprises JKR has for 
us when the test results come out.

Ravenclaw Bookworm