An Evolutionary Upgrade of Cognitive Load Theory: Using the Human Motor System and Collaboration to Support the Learning of Complex Cognitive Tasks

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

Demonstration-based training (DBT) in the design of a video tutorial for software training

This study investigates the design and effectiveness of a video tutorial for software training. In accordance with demonstration-based training, the tutorial consisted of a series of task demonstrations, with instructional features added to enhance learning. An experiment is reported in which a demonstration-only control condition was compared with a demonstration-with-review condition. The review videos provided a recap to support retention of the procedure. Strict viewing conditions were imposed during training. Both learning and motivation were assessed. Participants were 55 students from primary and secondary schools in Germany. The outcomes showed that both tutorials significantly contributed to development of procedural knowledge and to motivation, and that the review tutorial surpassed the control. The discussion addresses the role of user control. In addition, with the effectiveness of reviews apparently becoming better established, the need arises for measures that can reveal the effects of reviews on observational learning processes

The Dilemmas of Formulating Theory-Informed Design Guidelines for a Video Enhanced Rubric for the Formative Assessment of Complex Skills

Learners aiming to master a complex skill may benefit from the combina-tion of abstract information found in a text-based analytical rubric and con-crete information provided by a video modeling example. In this paper, we address the design dilemmas of combining video modeling examples and rubrics into a Video Enhanced Rubric. We propose a model to address these design dilemma’s and develop our first prototype based on this model. This first prototype is then reviewed through a two-stage international expert validation session. In the first stage, 20 experts are asked to design a user interface for the Video Enhanced Rubric. In the second stage, 20 experts are asked to perform an expert appraisal of our first prototype. The preliminary results of the expert validation session are subsequently analyzed using Sauli, Cattaneo and van der Meij’s Framework for Developing Instructional Hypervideo to detect common design suggestions. Following the results of the expert validation, we developed a second prototype of the Video En-hanced Rubric. With the design guidelines of a Video Enhanced Rubric, we aim to improve the formative assessment and mastery of complex skills by fostering learner’s mental model development and the quality (consistency, concreteness) of both given as well as received feedback. On a more general note, we expect the design dilemmas addressed in this paper to inform re-searchers who aim to apply theoretical multimedia design guidelines to formative assessment practices with rubrics.We would like to gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the Viewbrics project, that is funded by the practice-oriented research program of the Netherlands Initiative for Education Research (NRO), part of The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)

Cognitive Load Theory and Time Considerations: Using the Time-Based Resource Sharing Model

International audienceFor a long time, Cognitive Load Theory has considered working memory models as tools to advance research on learning. It has used working memory capacity models, where working memory is viewed as being composed of a discrete number of slots (i.e., chunks) that can be kept active. However, recent results have shown that for a fixed quantity of information, the mere pace of information presentation can affect learning performance. Commonly used working memory models cannot explain such results. Here, we propose to use a new model in the field of Cognitive Load Theory, the Time-Based Resource Sharing model, which enables time to be taken into account when describing working memory solicitation. In two experiments, we tested hypotheses allowed by the model. Results showed that the Time-Based Resource Sharing model can assist the investigation of information presentation pace effects during learning, as long as prior knowledge is taken into account. Particularly, the results suggest a new interpretation of intrinsic and extrinsic load that could relate them to the time needed to process information