雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational settings, instructional design aims to manage this load to optimize learning. According to cognitive load theory, learning is hindered when the intrinsic load (complexity of the material) and extraneous load (the way information is presented) exceed the learner's capacity. Effective teaching materials reduce extraneous load by simplifying presentations, while allowing intrinsic load to remain, as it is essential for deep processing. However, recent studies suggest that overly simplified materials may reduce germane load, which is the effort devoted to constructing schemas and integrating new knowledge. Thus, a balance is necessary: too much complexity overwhelms, but too little challenge can impair long-term retention.