Cognitive Load Theory
Dr Chelsea Hyde
Information Processing Model
Adapted from Atkinson, R.C. and Shiffrin, R.M. (1968). 'Human memory: A Proposed System and its Control Processes'. In Spence, K.W. and Spence, J.T. The psychology of learning and motivation, (Volume 2). New York: Academic Press. pp. 89–195.
What is cognitive load?
Theory developed by John Sweller, 1980s
The amount of information our ‘working memory’ can hold at one time.
7 +/- 2
3 Types of Cognitive Load
Germane
03
Extrinsic
02
Intrinsic
01
So...how much did you remember?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Application to Teaching and Learning
STRATEGY 1
Tailor lessons according to students’ existing knowledge and skill
‘Element interactivity effect’
STRATEGY 2
Use worked examples to teach students new content or skills
‘Worked example effect’
STRATEGY 3
Gradually increase independent problem-solving as students become more proficient
‘Expertise reversal effect’
STRATEGY 4
Cut out inessential information
‘Redundancy effect’
OR
STRATEGY 5
Present all the essential information together
‘Split-attention effect’
STRATEGY 6
Simplify complex information by presenting it both orally and visually
‘Modality effect’
STRATEGY 7
Encourage students to visualise concepts and procedures that they have learnt
‘Imagination effect’