Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is an instructional design theory that uses the science of how the human brain processes information to inform the design of learning materials so they are easy to comprehend and remember.
Jog your memory back to your school math class for a moment. I’m sure you recall those problem-solving riddles, which usually started something like this:
It’s late at night. Four men need to cross a bridge and they all walk at different speeds. You have 17 minutes to get them all safely to the other side. You have one flashlight that must accompany each person or pair as they walk…
Their walking speeds and several other constraints are given and you then had to figure out how to help them make the crossing. You might also remember the frustration and mind-yoga involved in working through the problem!
Tags: cognitive load theory • Insights • Instructional Design