Cognitive Load Theory

What is cognitive load theory?

Cognitive load theory is a model that examines how the human brain processes information. There are three types of cognitive load learners experience when processing information: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. Intrinsic cognitive load is how complex a topic is, extraneous cognitive load is anything that unnecessarily distracts from learning, and germane cognitive load is the actual mental processing that builds learner understanding. 

Example: After learning about cognitive load theory, our L&D team transformed heavy, dense learning materials into microlearning modules to help reduce cognitive load. 

Why is cognitive load theory important?

Instructional designers consider CLT as they present and organize information to reduce cognitive overload and increase learning retention. CLT acknowledges that human brains have limitations—particularly our working memory, which stores information before committing it to long-term memory. CLT strategies help learners retain information more effectively. 

To help manage intrinsic load, instructional designers may break up content into bite-sized chunks, so learners can process fewer elements at a time. They reduce extraneous load by presenting clean, focused, and consistent design to help minimize distractions. To optimize germane load—rather than reduce it—training designers use interactive, engaging, and relevant content to help learners understand, organize, and apply new knowledge.