Learning and Teaching

We all want our children to succeed in school and enjoy their learning experiences. One of the key ideas in education that can help us support our students is Cognitive Load Theory. This theory explains how our brains process and retain information, helping us understand the best ways to aid our children’s learning.

What is Cognitive Load Theory?

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) was developed by educational psychologist John Sweller. It describes how our working memory – the part of our brain that temporarily holds information – has a limited capacity. When we are learning something new, our working memory can become overwhelmed, making it harder to understand and retain information. This is known as cognitive overload.

Three Types of Cognitive Load

1. Intrinsic Load – This relates to the complexity of the material being learned. Some subjects, like solving a maths problem or understanding grammar rules, naturally require more effort to grasp.
2. Extraneous Load – This comes from unnecessary distractions or confusing instructions that make learning harder. For example, if a worksheet has too much information crammed together, children may struggle to focus on what’s important.
3. Germane Load – This is the effort our brain uses to process, connect, and store new knowledge. It’s the ‘good’ type of load that helps learning happen.

How Can Parents Help Reduce Cognitive Overload?

There are simple ways you can support your child’s learning and prevent cognitive overload:

• Break Information into Chunks – Instead of overwhelming your child with too much information at once, break tasks into smaller steps. This makes learning more manageable.
• Encourage Practice and Repetition – Revisiting topics helps transfer knowledge from short-term to long-term memory, strengthening understanding.
• Minimise Distractions – A quiet, organised study space can help your child focus on learning without unnecessary interruptions.
• Use Visual Aids – Diagrams, charts, and pictures can help children grasp concepts more easily.
• Provide Clear Instructions – If a task is too complicated, simplify the instructions or go through them step by step.
• Connect New Knowledge to What They Already Know – Relating new learning to familiar experiences helps children retain information better.

Supporting Your Child’s Learning Journey

Understanding Cognitive Load Theory can help you create an environment that supports effective learning. By reducing unnecessary cognitive load and reinforcing important concepts, you can help your child develop confidence and a love for learning.

If you have any questions about how we apply these strategies in the classroom, feel free to reach out!

Laura Leung

Learning and Teaching