The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational settings, instructional designers often aim to manage cognitive load to optimize learning. According to Sweller's cognitive load theory, learning is hindered when the intrinsic load (complexity of the material) and extraneous load (how the material is presented) exceed the learner's capacity. However, recent research suggests that a moderate level of germane load, which involves the mental resources dedicated to processing and understanding new information, can actually enhance deep learning. This is because it encourages the learner to actively engage with the content, forming schemas that facilitate long-term retention. Thus, rather than merely minimizing all cognitive load, educators should strive to reduce extraneous load while maintaining sufficient intrinsic and germane load to challenge learners appropriately.
❓ 文章によると、教育者が教材を設計する際の主な目標は何ですか？
A. A) あらゆる形態の認知的負荷を排除し、学習を努力なしで行えるようにすること。
B. B) 効果的な学習のために、適切な内在的負荷と関連的負荷を維持しつつ、外的負荷を軽減すること。
C. C) 学習者に挑戦するために、認知的負荷を可能な限り増加させること。
D. D) 素材の複雑さだけに焦点を当て、提示方法を考慮しないこと。
✅ 正确答案
B) To reduce extraneous load while preserving adequate intrinsic and germane load for effective learning.
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