Slava Kalyuga

Cognitive load theory (CLT) considers instructional implications of characteristics of human cognition, such as processing limitations of working memory and the size and organization of the learner's knowledge base in long-term memory. CLT traditionally described how the limited capacity of working memory may cause cognitive overload and inhibit learning. Rethinking Cognitive Load Theory reflects on recent developments of this theory and proposes some essential modifications to improve its effectiveness in designing modern, technology-based, complex learning environments. The book describes a way of reconceptualizing the theory so that it can better account for the multifaceted nature of learner cognition that has emerged in recent research. It considers complex learning tasks as involving various goals of learner activities that need combining cognitive, motivational, and affective perspectives. The book starts with a review of basic tenets of the current understanding of CLT, including major components of human cognitive architecture, their characteristics and effects on cognitive load. It summarizes the modifications that have been made to CLT to date, including redefining types of cognitive load and applying an evolutionary approach. The criticisms of the theory that have been expressed over the years are reviewed and possible modifications to CLT that could enhance its usability are explored. The book considers existing instructional theories (e.g., problem-first, productive failure or invention learning) as evidence for the goal-driven approach, and offers examples of specific learning tasks and related motivational and affective goals of learner activities to illustrate the goal-driven approach to CLT using simulation- and game-based learning environments. Finally, the book provides theoretical and practical implications of the proposed new approach. This reframing of CLT is expected to result in a more learner-cantered framework in accordance with recent trends in instructional science and educational technology.

Over the last 25 years, cognitive load theory has become one of the world’s leading theories of instructional design. It is heavily researched by many educational and psychological researchers and is familiar to most practicing instructional designers, especially designers using computer and related technologies. The theory can be divided into two aspects that closely inter-relate and influence each other: human cognitive architecture and the instructional designs and prescriptions that flow from that architecture. The cognitive architecture is based on biological evolution. The resulting description of human cognitive architecture is novel and accordingly, the instructional designs that flow from the architecture also are novel. All instructional procedures are routinely tested using randomized, controlled experiments. Roughly 1/3 of the book will be devoted to cognitive architecture and its evolutionary base with 2/3 devoted to the instructional implications that follow, including technology-based instruction. Researchers, teachers and instructional designers need the book because of the explosion of interest in cognitive load theory over the last few years. The theory is represented in countless journal articles but a detailed, modern overview presenting the theory and its implications in one location is not available.

Offers theory- and research-based recommendations on information presentation techniques for multimedia and e-learning environments.

When we learn new and complex materials, our cognitive processing capabilities are usually severely reduced due to limited working memory capacity. Learner expertise in a specific domain decreases those limitations by enabling the use of the expert's organised knowledge base. In many instructional situations, however, expertise may also trigger additional cognitive load because of the processing of redundant information. Recently, strong evidence has emerged that instructional techniques, which are highly effective with novice learners, can lose their effectiveness and even have negative consequences when used with advanced learners. As learners become more knowledgeable in a domain, instructional techniques and procedures often need to change radically in order to remain efficient. To tailor instruction to levels of learner knowledge in computer-based learning environments, it is critical to have a simple and rapid measure of learner expertise suitable for real-time testing. The primary goal of this book is to provide the theoretical background and research-based recommendations on instructional techniques and diagnostic assessment methods that are suitable for advanced learners in multimedia learning environments.