On this page, I’ve handpicked the most impactful and insightful literature pertaining to cognitive load theory. All articles are free to download. Please share with your colleagues and friends.
Cognitive load theory is a model of human thinking based on our knowledge of working memory and long-term memory. It has accurately predicted several educational effects and has meaningful implications for teacher practice.
Podcast Recommendation!
Listen to the experts themselves (John Sweller, Dylan Wiliam and David Geary) discuss CLT. An excellent episode!
Cognitive Load Theory: Research that teachers really need to understand.
A fantastic, simple and concise summary of cognitive load theory.
Cognitive Load Theory and Instructional Design: 20 Years Later
Three of the biggest heavyweights in the field of cognitive science discuss their reflections on 20 years of development in the field.
A little longer read, but well worth your time. Can be technical at times, but it is fairly accessible with a little perseverance.
Putting Students on the Path to Learning: The Case for Fully Guided Instruction
Clarke, Kirschner and Sweller discuss why our knowledge of human cognitive architecture leads us to the conclusion that explicit and full guided instruction (teaching) is optimal to maximise learning.
Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching
This is the original paper which supported the previous article.
A succinct and understandable explanation of why discovery based learning is not effective learning.
Making Animation More Effective: A Cognitive Load Approach
This article has a very nice summary of cognitive load theory.
The Expertise Reversal Effect
Kalyuga discusses how as expertise increases in a specific domain, the need for worked examples diminishes. Eventually, worked examples become redundant and hinder further learning.
This does not contradict the worked example effect, as worked examples are still perfect for novice learners.
Educating the Evolved Mind
Geary explains his theory of biologically primary and biologically secondary knowledge, and how this has implications for the classroom.
A Working Memory Dependent Dual Process Model of the Testing Effect
This paper is short but deep.
The paper discusses a theory that explains nuances in the testing effect. The theory is that working memory (cognitive load) is the moderator of the testing effect.
I found this paper really interesting, but it is a difficult read. Take your time, use a highlighter and make notes of key definitions.
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