Learning can be exciting, overwhelming, or confusing. When we are exposed to a new concept or skill, our brain has to process a significant amount of information. So, it is crucial to understand, particularly for educators, how different learners experience the overall learning process.

Why learning can be difficult in some contexts can be explained by the Cognitive Load Theory. There are multiple approaches available for reducing the negative impact of cognitive load. Let’s find ways to help students learn effectively, feel capable, and be supported!

Understanding the Types

Cognitive load theory explains the characteristics and limitations of human cognitive architecture, specifically the limitations of our working memory capacity (Evans et al., 2024, p. 3). When students have to consume new ideas and complicated tasks, their working memory becomes overloaded. There are also different types of cognitive loads (Practical Psychology, 2023). The basic idea of each type is given below:

Intrinsic Cognitive Load

Are some topics just naturally harder than others? Yes, they are!

Example: It’s more difficult to understand how allergens make the immune system react than it is to learn simple health facts like “washing your hands keeps you from getting sick.”

Extraneous Cognitive Load

How was the topic taught?

Example: A PowerPoint slide full of text and tiny fonts defining medical terms makes it hard to capture the key takeaways of any lesson.

Germane Cognitive Load (High or Low)

How do we make sense of any topic?

Example: Linking medical terms, such as “dosage” and “frequency,” to previous knowledge helps a person to understand why timing and accuracy matter for their health. This is an example of high germane cognitive load. However, low germane load is different. For instance, a person might memorize terms instead of grasping why it is important to follow these instructions.

It is crucial to develop a viable curriculum that will support the learner’s well-being and resilience. (You may be interested in reading MedULingo’s blog about Why a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum Matters for Medical Literacy.) To design a learning plan that can be flexible and accessible to anyone, Cognitive Load Theory can be used as a helpful strategy. When introducing a complex process, let’s say, learning complicated medical terminology or mechanisms, an educator might start the conversation with the student’s existing knowledge and basic ideas of that particular topic. This process is called Scaffolding, where educators provide temporary support to the learners when teaching new concepts. Thus, it helps in reducing their working memory load. This overall approach can be practiced in other learning activities, such as while practicing problems and giving feedback.

How Cognitive Load Can Be Useful

Focus on What Matters the Most (Intrinsic Load)

Naturally challenging topics can be divided into chunks, where educators prioritize key ideas and add subsets to those topics. Thus, those complex topics can be manageable for students.

Figure Out the Best Way Possible (Extraneous Load)

Educators can try different strategies to determine the best way to teach complicated teaching methods and easy interpretation of complex topics. Thus, students will find their own way to learn something and will be able to implement self-reflective ideas through those lessons.

Promote Deep Understanding (Germane Load)

Educators can also assist students with sensemaking approaches that help to connect new information to past knowledge. This is the process of interpreting, organizing, and applying information to create meaning in situations that are uncertain, complex, or overwhelming. Read MedULingo’s blog Sensemaking in Medical & Health Education Makes So Much Sense – Medulingo to learn more.

Design Flexible and Supportive Lessons

Understanding the Cognitive Load Theory allows educators to create lesson plans that match students’ capacities. These plans can vary depending on the individuals they are teaching. However, this balance encourages every student to be comfortable while learning with their peers. This also helps the student to interact with the lessons actively while putting in their own perspectives.

Why This Matters?

Learning is a continuous process to guide our mind in capturing different topics and how the learners perceive them afterwards. Understanding cognitive load helps prepare content and support the students to process it at their own pace. Thus, the barriers to learning any topic can be reduced when an educator recognizes the individual strengths of the students and creates a safe space for the students to learn something effectively.

References

Evans, P., Vansteenkiste, M., Parker, P. et al. Cognitive Load Theory and Its Relationships with Motivation: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective. Educ Psychol Rev 36, 7 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09841-2

Practical Psychology. (2023, October 6). Cognitive Load Theory (Definition + Examples). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/cognitive-load-theory/

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