What is "cognitive load theory"?

Cognitive load theory is centered around the idea that learning is significantly influenced by the capacity of working memory. According to this theory, working memory has a limited capacity, and when learners are presented with too much information at once, or when the information is overly complex, it can lead to cognitive overload. This overload can hinder the learning process because the brain struggles to process and retain the information effectively.

The theory further categorizes cognitive load into three types: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. Intrinsic load relates to the inherent difficulty of the material, extraneous load involves the way information is presented, which can be made simpler or more complex, and germane load refers to the mental resources devoted to the processing and understanding of the material.

By acknowledging the limitations of working memory, educators can design instruction that helps optimize cognitive load, thus enhancing learning. This approach underscores the importance of managing how much information is presented at one time to facilitate better understanding and retention of knowledge, making the selected response accurate.