Cognitive Load Theory in Science Classrooms

Study Notes

Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive load theory is a series of instructional recommendations built upon the knowledge of how humans learn, aiming to shine a light on the main barriers that get in the way of learning and empowering teachers to remove them.

Example of Cognitive Load Theory in a Science Classroom

In a year 7 or 8 science classroom, a teacher presents a lesson on the periodic table, showing a slide with information on it and giving each student a periodic table.
Despite the seemingly simple task, many students appear lost and struggle to follow along.

Redundancy Effect

The redundancy effect is an idea from cognitive load theory, summarized as "eliminate unnecessary information and do not replicate necessary information".
Applying the redundancy effect to the lesson would involve tightening up the presented information, making it more concise, and reducing unnecessary details.

Split Attention Effect

The split attention effect is another idea from cognitive load theory, summarized as "information that must be combined should be placed together in space and time".
In the context of the lesson, the split attention effect occurs when students are forced to mentally integrate information from the board with information from their own periodic table, causing a high cognitive load and leading to student confusion and overload.
To incorporate the recommendations of the split attention effect, the information should be presented in a way that reduces split attention, such as presenting a picture of the periodic table with the necessary information together in one place.

Cognitive Load Theory

Aims to identify and overcome barriers to learning by understanding how humans process information
Provides instructional recommendations for teachers to optimize learning

Application of Cognitive Load Theory in a Science Classroom

A lesson on the periodic table can be overwhelming for students, even with simple tasks
Students may appear lost and struggle to follow along due to high cognitive load

Redundancy Effect

Eliminate unnecessary information to reduce cognitive load
Present concise and relevant information to avoid overloading students

Split Attention Effect

Information that must be combined should be presented together in space and time
Reducing split attention can minimize cognitive load and student confusion
Example: presenting a picture of the periodic table with necessary information together in one place

Description

Understand how cognitive load theory is applied in a science classroom, helping teachers identify and remove barriers to learning. Explore examples of its application in year 7 or 8 science lessons, particularly with the periodic table.