What does the term 'cognitive load' refer to?

Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort being used in working memory. This concept is crucial in educational psychology because it helps instructors understand how students process information and manage their cognitive resources during learning activities. When cognitive load is balanced appropriately, students can effectively absorb and retain information. If cognitive load is too high, it can hinder learning, as learners may become overwhelmed and unable to integrate new knowledge with what they already know.

Understanding cognitive load is important for designing instructional materials and teaching strategies that facilitate learning. For example, simplifying complex information or breaking it down into manageable chunks can help reduce cognitive load and improve comprehension and retention.