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 strive 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) and extraneous load (manner of presentation) exceed the learner's available working memory capacity. However, recent studies suggest that a certain level of germane load, which involves the construction and automation of schemas, is beneficial for deep understanding. Therefore, effective teaching materials should minimize extraneous load while encouraging germane load, rather than simply reducing overall difficulty.
❓ ¿Qué implica el pasaje sobre el diseño instruccional efectivo?
A. Debe eliminar toda carga cognitiva para evitar abrumar a los estudiantes.
B. Debería centrarse únicamente en reducir la complejidad del tema en cuestión.
C. Debería equilibrar la reducción de carga innecesaria mientras promueve actividades de construcción de esquemas.
D. Debería priorizar el aumento de la carga intrínseca para desafiar a los estudiantes avanzados.
✅ 正确答案
It should balance reducing unnecessary load while promoting schema-building activities.
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