SORTED

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)

Cognitive Load Theory focuses on the amount of mental effort being used in the working memory.

Learn more
Cognitive Load Theory
Intrinsic Load
The inherent difficulty of the material itself.
Extraneous Load
The way information is presented, which can either help or hinder understanding.
Germane Load
The mental effort needed to understand and process the information.

What is:

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)

In simple words, imagine:

Finding it easier to learn math with visual aids that simplify concepts.

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) explains how our brains handle information and how this affects our ability to learn It focuses on three types of cognitive load:

  • Intrinsic load:  The difficulty of the material itself
  • Extraneous load:  The way the information is presented, which can either help or hinder understanding
  • Germane load:  The mental effort needed to understand and process information

CLT helps companies design tools and educational materials that are easier to use and understand.

Explain it to Grandma:

This is like when you’re learning a new knitting pattern. If it’s too complicated, you might get frustrated and give up. But if the instructions are simple and clear, you can follow along easily and enjoy the process. It’s all about not overwhelming your mind, so learning new things feels as natural as a quiet afternoon knitting.

Business Cases:

Pearson Education
Coursera
Khan Academy
Scroll
Pearson Education
Interactive Textbooks
Education

Pearson applied Cognitive Load Theory to design interactive textbooks that reduce cognitive overload for students. The materials were structured to simplify complex concepts and present information in a clear, organised manner.

Result
Successful
The interactive textbooks have been widely adopted in schools, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
Coursera
Online Courses
E-Learning Platforms

Coursera used Cognitive Load Theory to design online courses that optimise learning by reducing extraneous cognitive load. This included breaking down content into bite-sized modules and using multimedia to reinforce learning.

Result
Successful
Coursera's courses have been praised for their effectiveness, attracting millions of learners globally.
Khan Academy
Personal Finance Course
Financial Education Tools

Khan Academy utilised Cognitive Load Theory to create a personal finance course that simplifies complex financial concepts for learners. The course was designed to be intuitive and easy to follow, with interactive exercises to enhance understanding.

Result
Successful
The course has been highly rated by users, contributing to better financial literacy.

Academic Research:

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)

Authors:

John Sweller

Paper Link

https://archive.org/details/cognitiveloadthe0000swel

Year Researched

1988

Summary:

Cognitive Load Theory explained how the human brain processes information and how instructional design can optimize learning by reducing unnecessary mental effort. The theory distinguishes between different types of cognitive load—intrinsic, extraneous, and germane—and emphasizes designing learning materials in a way that minimizes unnecessary cognitive load. For instance, breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable pieces can help learners process and retain information more effectively.

Some links

  • https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11251-009-9110-0
  • https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-010-9128-0
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7447011/
  • https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-010-9128-0
  • https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-010-9128-0