The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational settings, excessive cognitive load can hinder learning, as students are forced to process too much information simultaneously. Researchers have identified three types: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane load. Intrinsic load is inherent to the complexity of the material itself, while extraneous load is generated by the way information is presented. Germane load, however, is beneficial, as it involves the mental resources dedicated to constructing and automating schemas. Effective instructional design aims to minimize extraneous load while optimizing germane load, thereby facilitating deeper understanding and retention.