what is cognitive load theory and why should you care?

Jo Pearce

@jdpearce snowthorn.co.uk

Non-binary (they/them), developer and science womble.

What is cognitive load theory,and why should you care?

http://snowthorn.co.uk


What is cognitive load theory, and why should you care?

Information Overload




• There is always a lot to learn

• How do we learn without overloading ourselves?




The Magical Number 7 ± 2 (George A. Miller, 1956)

Working Memory


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magical_Number_Seven,_Plus_or_Minus_Two




Working Memory

Information In






Working Memory (Overloaded)

Information In

• Stress

• Poor concentration

• Irritability

• Low productivity





Q: What can we do to work within our limitations?

A : We can use Cognitive Load Theory!

John Sweller




• Defines cognitive load as the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory

• Describes a universal set of principles for managing cognitive load that lead to efficient learning.

But, what is Cognitive Load Theory?




Total cognitive load is comprised of three types:

• Intrinsic Load

• Extraneous (Irrelevant) Load

• Germane (Relevant) Load




Intrinsic LoadImposed by the inherent complexity of the task being performed.

e.g.

Learning to juggle 10 balls is inherently more complex than learning to juggle 3.




Intrinsic LoadImposed by the inherent complexity of the task being performed.

Manage by breaking large tasks into smaller ones!




Extraneous (Irrelevant) Load

Imposed by distractions or tasks which are irrelevant to the goal.

• Coping with a loud environment

• Unfamiliarity with a development tool

• Unreadable code

e.g.




Extraneous (Irrelevant) Load

Imposed by distractions or tasks which are irrelevant to the goal.

Manage by reducing the number of irrelevant distractions and tasks!




Germane (Relevant) Load

Load imposed by tasks which are relevant to an overall goal.

Repetition and context variation help a learner to be able to apply knowledge in a wider variety of situations.




Germane (Relevant) Load

Load imposed by tasks which are relevant to an overall goal.

e.g. If the goal is to promote better understanding of a codebase

• Vary the areas of the codebase a developer works in

• Pair junior developers with those more experienced to gain varied perspectives and skills




Reduce Irrelevant

Load

Increase Relevant

Load

Manage Intrinsic

Load

++

= Efficient Learning & Increased Productivity

Cognitive Load Theory


Jo Pearce


Non-binary (they/them), developer and science womble.

Thanks!Any questions?


what is cognitive load theory and why should you care?

Education