雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

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 seek to manage cognitive load to optimize learning. According to 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 certain level of desirable difficulty, such as interleaving practice or introducing spaced repetition, can enhance long-term retention, even though it may temporarily increase cognitive load. This paradoxical finding implies that not all cognitive load is detrimental; rather, the type and timing of load matter. Consequently, educators must balance reducing unnecessary extraneous load while intentionally introducing challenges that promote deeper processing.