Cognitive load theory poster
This poster was originally published 5 September 2017.
Read online
About cognitive load theory
Dylan Wiliam has described cognitive load theory as 'the single most important thing for teachers to know'. Grounded in a robust evidence base, cognitive load theory provides support for explicit models of instruction.
The CESE literature review 'Cognitive load theory: Research that teachers really need to understand' explains the principles behind cognitive load theory and how it assists the human brain to learn and store knowledge.
Main findings
- The human brain can only deal with a small amount of new information at once, but it can hold a very large amount of stored information.
- Cognitive load theory provides support for explicit models of instruction.
- Research from cognitive load theory has produced a number of instructional techniques that are directly transferable to the classroom.
How memory works:
Small amounts of short term information are processed in the working memory
The average person can only hold about four 'chunks' of information in their working memory at once.
Large amounts of information are stored semi-permanently in the long-term memory
Information is stored in 'schemas' which provide a system for organising and storing knowledge.
Working memory can become overloaded
If a student's working memory is overloaded, they may not understand the content being taught.
Memory overload can be prevented
With practice, and strategies to minimise cognitive load, information can be automatically recalled from long-term memory, freeing up the working memory to learn new information.