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.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, rủi ro chính của tài liệu giảng dạy quá đơn giản hóa là gì?
A. A. Chúng làm tăng tải trọng ngoại lai một cách quá mức.
B. B. Chúng làm giảm độ phức tạp nội tại cần thiết cho việc học.
C. C. Chúng có thể làm giảm tải trọng liên quan (germane load), yếu tố quan trọng cho việc xây dựng sơ đồ nhận thức.
D. D. Chúng gây quá tải nhận thức bằng cách thêm thông tin không cần thiết.
✅ 正确答案
C. They may decrease germane load, which is crucial for schema construction.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first