1.1.1
The Limitations of Working Memory
Working Memory Limitations & Dual Coding
Working Memory Limitations & Dual Coding
John Sweller has identified nearly twenty cognitive load effects that add very practical advice for teachers. Here are six of them most directly related to dual coding theory.


Worked example effect
Worked example effect
- Worked examples show novices the step-by-step path to solving problems.
- They help novices store
the problem-solving schema into
their long-term memory.
- Our courses at Seneca usually contain several worked examples, to help students' learning, especially in STEM subjects.


Transient information effect
Transient information effect
- Teachers’ spoken words disappear, i.e. they are transient.
- This can cause interference in novices’ learning, as they struggle to remember earlier parts of the teacher’s explanation.


Guidance fading effect
Guidance fading effect
- The gradual withdraw of worked examples should be dynamically tailored to novices’ changing levels of expertise in particular areas of study.
- In other words, teachers should gradually take away scaffolding.


Split-attention effect
Split-attention effect
- When two sources of information are split in time or space but need to be understood together, students suffer overload as they switch back and forth.


Redundancy effect
Redundancy effect
- When a novice moves along the
continuum towards more expertise,
they no longer need earlier, simpler
sources of information aimed at
novice status.
- In fact, the more students progress, the more such simplified information will hinder learning.


Modality effect
Modality effect
- We take in information through two separate channels: the auditory and the visual channels.
- It’s best to avoid one channel being overloaded by dealing with two sources of information concurrently.
1Dual Coding With Teachers
1.1The Limitations of Working Memory
1.2Design Guide
1.3Pen Craft
1.4Slides
1.5Documents
1.6Displays
Jump to other topics
1Dual Coding With Teachers
1.1The Limitations of Working Memory
1.2Design Guide
1.3Pen Craft
1.4Slides
1.5Documents
1.6Displays
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books