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.
❓ この文章は、効果的な指導設計について何を示唆していますか？
A. 学習者を圧倒しないように、すべての認知的負荷を取り除くべきである。
B. それは、主題の複雑さを軽減することだけに焦点を当てるべきです。
C. 不必要な負担を軽減しつつ、スキーマ構築活動を促進するバランスを取るべきである。
D. 高度な学生に挑戦を与えるため、内発的負荷を増やすことを優先すべきである。
✅ 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