Teaching Smarter: Cognitive Load & Explicit Instruction

Teaching Smarter: Cognitive Load & Explicit Instruction

Professional Development for NSW Teachers Enhancing Student Learning Through Evidence-Based Practice 60-Minute Workshop

Learning Objectives

Understand the principles of cognitive load theory Identify the three types of cognitive load Apply explicit instruction strategies to reduce cognitive burden Design lessons that optimize working memory capacity Implement evidence-based teaching practices in your classroom

Think About This...

Have you ever noticed students struggling to follow multi-step instructions? Why do some lessons feel overwhelming while others flow smoothly? What happens when we introduce too much new information at once?

What is Cognitive Load Theory?

Developed by John Sweller in the 1980s Explains how our brains process and store information Based on limitations of working memory Working memory can only hold 7±2 items at once Information must be processed before moving to long-term memory

The Working Memory Model

The Three Types of Cognitive Load

Intrinsic Load: The inherent difficulty of the material Extraneous Load: Poor instructional design that wastes mental resources Germane Load: The mental effort devoted to building understanding

Intrinsic vs Extraneous Load

{"left":"Essential difficulty of the learning task\nCannot be reduced without changing the content\nExample: Learning algebraic equations\nComplexity inherent to the subject matter","right":"Poor presentation or design choices\nCan and should be minimized\nExample: Confusing slide layouts or irrelevant information\nWastes precious mental resources"}

Spot the Extraneous Load

Look at this sample worksheet Identify elements that create unnecessary cognitive burden Discuss with a colleague How would you redesign it?

What is Explicit Instruction?

Direct, systematic teaching approach Teacher clearly demonstrates and models skills Guided practice with immediate feedback Gradual release of responsibility to students Based on extensive research evidence

The Explicit Instruction Cycle

Research Evidence

"Explicit instruction is particularly effective for students who are learning foundational skills or struggling with complex concepts." - Barak Rosenshine, Educational Researcher

Why Explicit Instruction Reduces Cognitive Load

Provides clear structure and expectations Breaks complex tasks into manageable steps Reduces guesswork and confusion Allows students to focus on learning, not figuring out what to do Builds confidence through success