The Role of Independent Measures of Load in Cognitive Load Theory

Author(s):  
John Sweller
2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Venkateshwar Rao

Mathematics is a compulsory subject at school level across the globe. It is also considered as a difficult subject. Reducing the cognitive load and improving the scholastic performance are the main concerns in the teaching learning process of mathematics. The present study is an attempt in this direction by using cognitive load theory. The study is intended to analyze the role of worked examples in learning mathematics and to design and conduct an intervention to reduce the cognitive load and improve the performance of students in mathematics. Sample comprised of 76 students of 6th grade. The sample was divided in to two groups of control and treatment conditions. There were two phases in the intervention namely learning phase and test phase. At Learning phase students were taught according to either a traditional procedure or according to worked examples effect of cognitive load theory. At test phase all students (control condition and treatment condition) were presented a common test (Scholastic Achievement Test). During the learning phase student’s performance in the form of errors committed and cognitive load experienced were recorded. During the test phase student’s performance and cognitive load experienced were recorded. The study revealed that students who studied worked examples committed fewer errors and experienced low cognitive load. Students who studied worked examples performed better and experienced less cognitive load than students who solved the same number of problems. It is recommended to give more emphasis on worked examples to improve the performance of children in mathematics and to reduce the cognitive load experienced by students in mathematics.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e48-e56
Author(s):  
Matt Sibbald ◽  
Bingxian Wang ◽  
Kyla Caners

Background: Facilitating simulation is a complex task with high cognitive load. Simulation technologists are often recruited to help run scenarios and lower some of the extraneous load. We used cognitive load theory to explore the impact of technologists on instructors, identifying sources of instructor cognitive load with and without technologists present. Methods: Data was collected from 56 simulation sessions for postgraduate emergency medicine residents. Instructors delivered 14 of the sessions without a technologist. After each session, the instructor and simulation technologist (if present) provided quantitative and qualitative data on the cognitive load of the simulation. Results: Instructors rated their cognitive load similarly regardless of whether simulation technologists were present. However, the composition of their cognitive load differed. Instructors experienced less cognitive load related to the simulator and technical resources when technologists were present. Qualitative feedback from instructors suggested real consequences to these differences in cognitive load in (1) perceived complexities in running the scenario, and (2) observations of learners. Conclusions: We provide evidence that simulation technologists can remove some of the extraneous load related to the simulator and technical resources for the instructor, allowing the instructor to focus more on observing the learner(s) and tailoring the scenario to their actions.


Author(s):  
Anne-Marie Singh ◽  
Slava Kalyuga

With advancement in technology, hypermedia learning environments are becoming more common in education. Such environments present the multiple representations of information in a non-linear and non-sequential format, allowing the learners to enhance their retention and transfer of knowledge by selecting and sequencing their learning paths. Research into expert-novice differences has suggested that learner prior knowledge has major implications for learning. This chapter considers the role of learner prior knowledge in enhancing the effectiveness of hypermedia learning from a cognitive load perspective. Cognitive load theory is an instructional theory that investigates instructional means of managing limitations of human cognitive system, primarily processing limitations of working memory. The chapter reviews recent studies of cognitive load theory-generated techniques for learners with different levels of prior knowledge and relevant research in hypermedia learning. The chapter concludes with evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of educational hypermedia.


Author(s):  
Roland Brünken ◽  
Susan Steinbacher ◽  
Jan L. Plass ◽  
Detlev Leutner

Abstract. In two pilot experiments, a new approach for the direct assessment of cognitive load during multimedia learning was tested that uses dual-task methodology. Using this approach, we obtained the same pattern of cognitive load as predicted by cognitive load theory when applied to multimedia learning: The audiovisual presentation of text-based and picture-based learning materials induced less cognitive load than the visual-only presentation of the same material. The findings confirm the utility of dual-task methodology as a promising approach for the assessment of cognitive load induced by complex multimedia learning systems.


2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori B. Stone ◽  
Abigail Lundquist ◽  
Stefan Ganchev ◽  
Nora Ladjahasan

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