Embedded Files
Cognitive load theory starts with understanding how humans process information. It is grouped into three main categories (sensory memory, working memory, and long-term memory). Only some of the information gained through sensory processing makes its way into working memory. Working memory has limited capacity and scans the information to determine what will be stored in long-term memory (Bolen, 2023, para. 3).
Since working memory has a limited capacity, it can be viewed as the bottleneck to processing information into long-term memory (Bolen, 2023, para. 5). Ways to overcome this is for the brain to create “schemas” that group information and find ways to connect with existing knowledge. When the brain is not able to connect with existing schemas, it will adjust and make new ones (McGraw Hill PreK-12, 2019, 1:31).
John Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory
John Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory
Cognitive load theory is categorized into “three load types: intrinsic cognitive load (ICL), extraneous cognitive load (ECL), and germane load (GCL)” (Skulmowski & Xu, 2021, p. 3). Intrinsic load describes the complexity of the information being processed. Extraneous load looks at the environment and distractions that can impair a learner from processing information. Lastly, germane load refers to “how learners link their current knowledge with additional information” (Bolen, 2023, para. 12).
As an educator, the goal is to reduce both intrinsic and extraneous load and maximize germane load as much as possible (Health Ed Solutions, 2012, 3:27).
Image retrieved from The Learning for Life Partnership
Click on the image to view the TEDx video with Darren McNelis (TEDx Talks, 2014).
If the information can not make it through the bottleneck that is your working memory, this can lead to what is known as cognitive overload. Darren McNelis talks about his experiences with working memory and its effect on cognitive overload. In the video (on the left), Darren discusses the impact technology, especially social media, has had on our ability to focus our attention and process information (TEDx Talks, 2014, 0:45).
Page updated
Report abuse