Cognitive Load Theory describes the limited amount of information we can process with our working memory due to intrinsic and extraneous factors. The core goal of Cognitive Load Theory is to create optimal learning environments that reduce cognitive load and promote learning success.

When new information is received by the brain, it is processed through working memory before it is discarded or stored in long-term memory. Since new information cannot be stored without being processed through working memory, working memory is essential for learning to take place. Unfortunately, working memory is limited in it's capacity to store information and is highly susceptible to internal and external factors.

In an educational setting, cognitive load refers to the strain put on a student's working memory by intrinsic factors inside of the classroom and extraneous factors outside of the classroom. Some examples of intrinsic factors that could inhibit a student's ability to learn are a lack of modeling, too much information, redundant instruction, or technology distractions. Extraneous factors outside of the classroom which can affect learning include, but are not limited to: hunger/food insecurity, sleep deprivation, home life, friendships/relationships, anxiety, and depression. The term was coined by Australian psychologist John Sweller in a paper that was published in the journal, Cognitive Science, in 1988. Sweller said that, since working memory has a limited capacity, instructional methods in the classroom should avoid overloading it with additional activities that don't directly contribute to learning.

Essentially, intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load contribute to an overloaded working memory and inhibit a student's ability to process new information for long-term memory storage. Although it is difficult to control extraneous factors that affect our students outside of the classroom, we (teachers) can lessen their intrinsic cognitive load through various practices to "free up" their working memory and optimize learning.