who created cognitive load theory

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is a widely used learning theory that is used to explain how the human mind processes information. It is based on the idea that the human brain has a limited processing capacity and that the amount of information that can be processed at one time is limited. CLT is the result of decades of research by several academics who have contributed to the development of this theory.

Who created Cognitive Load Theory?

The Cognitive Load Theory was first proposed by John Sweller, an Australian educational psychologist, in the late 1980s. Sweller was working on his research on problem-solving and found that while solving a problem, the working memory of an individual's brain is limited. This limitation led to the development of the cognitive load theory, which identified three types of cognitive load: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane.Intrinsic cognitive load refers to the difficulty of the material to be learned. Extrinsic cognitive load refers to the elements in the learning environment that increase cognitive load, such as unnecessary information or poor teaching methods. Germane cognitive load refers to the cognitive load necessary for learning and problem-solving, such as creating connections between new and prior knowledge.

Contributors to the theory

Since John Sweller's initial proposal of the theory, several other academics have contributed to the development of CLT. One of the most significant contributions was made by Paul Kirschner and his colleagues in the early 2000s. They argued that Sweller's theory overemphasized the role of reducing extraneous load and ignored the role of germane load. They suggested that learners must be given opportunities to create connections between new knowledge and prior knowledge, thus enhancing germane cognitive load.Another significant contribution was made by Richard Mayer, who developed the Multimedia Learning Theory. Mayer suggested that the use of multimedia could help in reducing cognitive load while engaging germane cognitive load. He proposed that the use of multimedia could create a better learning experience as it would reduce extraneous load by eliminating irrelevant information and increase germane load by increasing the depth of learning.

Applications of Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive Load Theory has been applied in various fields, including education, instructional design, and training. The theory's principles have been used to design e-learning courses, instructional materials, and virtual learning environments. The theory's principles have also been applied to improve the efficiency of training programs, especially in the medical field, where it has been shown to improve surgical skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cognitive load theory, proposed by John Sweller, has undergone significant developments over the years, with contributions from several academics. The theory has been applied in various fields, with a significant impact on instructional design and virtual learning environments. While the theory is still evolving, it remains a valuable tool in understanding how the human mind processes information.