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) combined with extraneous load (how the material is presented) exceeds the learner's working memory capacity. However, by reducing extraneous load through clear structuring and avoiding redundant information, educators can free up cognitive resources for deeper processing. Recent studies suggest that incorporating interactive elements, such as problem-based learning, can increase germane load, which is the load devoted to schema construction and automation, thereby enhancing long-term retention. Nevertheless, overly complex tasks without adequate scaffolding may overwhelm learners, leading to a decline in performance. Therefore, balancing task difficulty with learner expertise is crucial for effective pedagogy.
❓ 文章によると、インストラクショナルデザインにおいて外的負荷を減らすことの主な利点は何ですか？
A. A. それは材料の本質的な複雑性を増大させる。
B. B. 意味のある学習プロセスのために、より多くの精神的余裕を持たせることができる。
C. C. 複雑なタスクにおいて足場（スキャフォールディング）の必要性を排除する。
D. D. それは学習者の作業記憶容量を直接的に向上させる。
✅ 正确答案
B. It allows more mental capacity for meaningful learning processes.
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