Efficiency in Learning

Efficiency in Learning cover

Clark, R., Nguyen, F., and Sweller, J. (2006) Efficiency in Learning: Evidence-based guidelines to manage cognitive load, San Francisco, CA, John Wiley & Sons.

This book explains in specific detail what we know about cognitive load and how to design learning programs to accommodate our cognitive limits. It includes videos from Sweller, the educational psychologist known for his work in this area.

My reading notes

Part 1: An introduction to efficiency in learning

Ch. 1: Cognitive load and efficiency in learning

Ch. 2: The psychology of efficiency

Part 2: Basic guidelines for managing (irrelevant) cognitive load

Ch. 3: Use visuals and audio narration to exploit working memory resources

Ch. 4: Focus attention and avoid split attention

Ch. 5: Weed your training to manage limited working memory capacity

Ch. 6: Provide external memory support to reduce working memory load

Ch. 7: Use segmenting, sequencing, and learner pacing to impose content gradually

Ch. 8: Transition from worked examples to practice to impose mental work gradually

Part 3: Instructional guidelines for imposing relevant cognitive load

Ch. 9: Put working memory to work with germane load

Part 4: Tailoring instruction to learner expertise

Ch. 10: Accommodate differences in learner expertise

Ch. 11: Use rapid testing to adapt e-learning to learner expertise

Part 5: Cognitive load theory in perspective

Ch. 12: Applying cognitive load theory

Ch. 13: The evolution of cognitive load theory: A personal perspective by John Sweller