An Evolutionary Upgrade of Cognitive Load Theory: Using the Human Motor System and Collaboration to Support the Learning of Complex Cognitive Tasks |
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| Authors: | Fred Paas John Sweller |
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| Institution: | (1) Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 Rotterdam, the Netherlands;(2) School of Education, University of New-South Wales, Sydney, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Cognitive load theory is intended to provide instructional strategies derived from experimental, cognitive load effects. Each
effect is based on our knowledge of human cognitive architecture, primarily the limited capacity and duration of a human working
memory. These limitations are ameliorated by changes in long-term memory associated with learning. Initially, cognitive load
theory's view of human cognitive architecture was assumed to apply to all categories of information. Based on Geary’s (Educational Psychologist 43, 179–195 2008; 2011) evolutionary account of educational psychology, this interpretation of human cognitive architecture requires amendment.
Working memory limitations may be critical only when acquiring novel information based on culturally important knowledge that
we have not specifically evolved to acquire. Cultural knowledge is known as biologically secondary information. Working memory
limitations may have reduced significance when acquiring novel information that the human brain specifically has evolved to
process, known as biologically primary information. If biologically primary information is less affected by working memory
limitations than biologically secondary information, it may be advantageous to use primary information to assist in the acquisition
of secondary information. In this article, we suggest that several cognitive load effects rely on biologically primary knowledge
being used to facilitate the acquisition of biologically secondary knowledge. We indicate how incorporating an evolutionary
view of human cognitive architecture can provide cognitive load researchers with novel perspectives of their findings and
discuss some of the practical implications of this view. |
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