Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive load, in psychology, refers to the amount of work the brain is doing. Certain tasks require more effort, more load. Certain tasks also use different types of load. According to Dr. John Sweller, there are three types of cognitive load: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. The intrinsic load is what handles the task put before us. It is watching and listening, and trying to remember what is put in front of us. Extraneous load has been explained in a few different ways. One is that it has to do with how information is being presented to the brain. The other is that it is the load that has nothing to do with what we are trying to learn, as in a distraction. The most important and vital type of cognitive load is the germane. When we are processing the working memory, making connections, and creating new schema in our long term memory, we are using the germane load.

As a teacher, my goal is to engage the germane load as much as possible. So I want to develop lessons that help students make those connections in memory so they can remember what they have learned. There are a few strategies that can help facilitate this. Scaffolding, sequencing, and rehearsing can all help access germane cognitive load. Because the amount of load we have is limited, it is also useful to find ways to decrease that load. One example is in a textbook, if the explanation is integrated into a diagram, it can be easier to process for the reader. When the explanatory text is away from the diagram, it can put extra load on the working memory.

Here is a crossword of some of the terms discussed above: Cognitive Load Theory Crossword

If you would like to see the answers, use the password: Techy

Here is a Jeopardy style quiz to try as well: CLT Quiz

Sources:

Sweller, John. “Element Interactivity and Intrinsic, Extraneous, and Germane Cognitive Load.” Educational Psychology Review 22.2 (2010): 123-38. Print.

Wolf, Andrew. Cognitive Load Theory: 3 Different Types of Cognitive Load. YouTube. YouTube, 23 Mar. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.

- - -. Introduction to Cognitive Load Theory. YouTube. YouTube, 23 Mar. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZcjWzXTHng>.

The Big6: How to Solve a Problem

Here is a video introduction to the Big6:


The Big6 is an interesting and useful concept. I love the first stage. Too many times, I have found myself trying to solve a problem or complete a task without really defining that task for myself. I see students doing this as well. They either don't really know what they are trying to do, or they are simply trying to find out what they need to do to get an A.

I also love the final stage. As I've grown older and more experienced, I have found great value in reflection. This wasn't always the case. I guess as I've reflected on my life and my choices, I have realized just how important it is to reflect. Once a task has been completed or a problem has been solved, it is important to remember that learning is the goal. We have to ask ourselves questions: What can I do better? What went well, and what didn't? What did I learn about myself?

I had hoped to finish this project sooner than I did. I could have managed my time better, but I chose to prioritize a different way. Now I am up later than I want to be on a school night. I need to manage my time and my distractions more efficiently. I can do this, and hopefully I will do this.

Please get more information here: Big6