雅思阅读

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The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational psychology, cognitive load theory suggests that learning is most effective when instructional materials are designed to minimize extraneous cognitive load, thereby freeing resources for schema construction. However, recent research has challenged the assumption that reducing cognitive load always enhances learning. For instance, a study by Kalyuga (2011) found that for advanced learners, presenting information in a simplified format can lead to a 'expertise reversal effect', where redundant guidance actually impairs performance. This indicates that the optimal level of cognitive load depends on the learner's prior knowledge. Consequently, instructional designers must adapt materials to the learner's level, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.