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.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 교수 설계에서 외부 부하를 줄이는 것의 주요 이점은 무엇인가?
A. A. 그것은 물질의 내재적 복잡성을 증가시킨다.
B. B. 더 의미 있는 학습 과정을 위해 더 많은 정신적 여유를 확보해 준다.
C. C. 복잡한 작업에서 스캐폴딩의 필요성을 제거합니다.
D. D. 이는 학습자의 작업 기억 용량을 직접적으로 향상시킨다.
✅ 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