The Enemy of Learning

Extraneous cognitive load is the enemy of learning.

📝📺 Oftentimes discussions of overcoming extraneous (non productive) cognitive load focus on the learning materials and their design and implementation.

These are all important considerations, and there are many things we can do to make sure materials and content are well organized and presented in ways that support learning.

💡 Equally (perhaps more) important to consider are the myriad other things that can contribute to an extraneous cognitive load being placed on learners.

I've included some in the visual below which is, by design, a little busy!

When we design our learning experiences and environments we need to help reduce the amount of brain cycles learners are spending on things like these, so they can get down to the business of learning!

I'll go as far as saying this is a crucial first step.

Paying attention to the design and sequencing of our learning material is all for nothing if learners aren't ready and able to get in and do the work!