Cognitive Load Theory
CPD: Subject Level Curriculum (by Kat Howard and Claire Hill), topic 4.1.1
Cognitive Load Theory
Cognitive load theory (CLT) informs our curriculum sequencing by revealing the role of memory in helping students build the cognitive architecture required to access the curriculum effectively.
Memory
- Working memory is limited.
- This means we need to sequence our curriculum to reduce cognitive load by drawing on prior knowledge.
- We need to logically sequence episodes of learning so they accumulate in small stages, securing understanding at one stage before moving on to the next.
Cognitive load theory
- Our ability to use information already stored in long-term memory is unlimited.
- We need to reduce cognitive load as students can draw more effectively from their long-term memory, reducing the load for their working memory.
- Although activating prior knowledge is an effective method for reducing cognitive load, this needs always to serve new learning.
Curriculum and CLT
- Logical sequencing of the curriculum supports the activation of prior knowledge, which can reduce cognitive load.
- Activation of prior knowledge should be carefully planned to ensure this does not unintentionally contribute to extraneous load.
- Making explicit connections between pre-existing knowledge and new knowledge strengthens students’ cognitive architecture.
Test yourself on Cognitive Load Theory
How should we sequence a curriculum to reduce cognitive load?