The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational psychology, cognitive load theory (CLT) suggests that learning is most effective when instructional designs align with human cognitive architecture. CLT distinguishes between intrinsic load, which is inherent to the complexity of the material, and extraneous load, which is imposed by the way information is presented. Effective teaching strategies aim to minimize extraneous load while managing intrinsic load appropriately, thereby freeing cognitive resources for schema construction and automation. Recent research has extended CLT to multimedia learning, showing that redundant or split-attention formats can unnecessarily increase extraneous load, hindering comprehension. Conversely, well-designed materials that integrate visual and verbal information can optimize learning outcomes.
❓ 文章によると、認知負荷理論の文脈における効果的な指導設計の主な目標は何ですか？
A. A. 学習者からすべての認知的負荷を取り除くために
B. B. 学習者に挑戦を与えるために、外的負荷を増加させること
C. C. 内因的負荷を管理しながら、外因的負荷を軽減するため。
D. D. 提示の提示方法を考慮せずに、内在的負荷のみに焦点を当てること
✅ 正确答案
C. To reduce extraneous load while managing intrinsic 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