The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational contexts, instructional designers often aim 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 (how the material is presented) exceed the learner's working memory capacity. However, recent studies suggest that a certain level of germane load, which involves the mental resources dedicated to constructing schemas, is beneficial for deep understanding. Thus, effective teaching strategies should not merely reduce all cognitive load but rather prioritize minimizing extraneous load while allowing sufficient intrinsic and germane load for meaningful learning.
❓ 文章によると、認知負荷に関連するインストラクショナルデザインの主な目標は何ですか？
A. A. あらゆる種類の認知負荷を排除し、学生のストレスを軽減するため
B. B. 教材をより複雑にすることで、関連負荷を高めること
C. C. 本質的な内在的負荷と関連負荷を維持しつつ、外的負荷を軽減するため。
D. D. 内発的負荷を減らすことだけに焦点を当て、内容を簡素化すること。
✅ 正确答案
C. To reduce extraneous load while maintaining essential intrinsic and germane load
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