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 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 moderate level of germane load, which involves processes like schema construction and automation, can enhance deep understanding. For instance, a study by Sweller and colleagues found that reducing extraneous load through worked examples improved problem-solving performance in novices, but had little effect on experts who already possessed well-structured schemas. This highlights that instructional effectiveness is not solely about reducing load, but about aligning the type and amount of load with the learner's prior knowledge.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el factor clave para que la instrucción sea efectiva?
A. A. Minimizar todos los tipos de carga cognitiva para evitar la sobrecarga.
B. B. Equilibrar los tipos de carga cognitiva según la experiencia del aprendiz.
C. C. Aumentar la carga pertinente para todos los aprendices, independientemente de su experiencia.
D. D. Usar ejemplos resueltos como método principal de instrucción.
✅ 正确答案
B. Balancing cognitive load types according to the learner's expertise.
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