How to Avoid Learner Overload

This two-day skill-building participant-centered workshop uses interactive exercises to enable participants to help new employees learn highly complex content; accelerate the speed and quality of the learning process; eliminate complaints from novice participants about information overload; eliminate complaints from seasoned participants about being bored; and increase their curriculum design expertise.


During the workshop, the participants practically apply cognitive load learning principles to their own curricula. Based on 25 years of controlled experimental research, cognitive load theory applies to all types of content, all delivery media, and all learning.


Day One. Using interactive and practical application exercises, the participants: define cognitive load theory and the three types of cognitive load; explain the impact of cognitive load on learning acquisition and retention; and practice applying six guidelines for managing extraneous cognitive load.


These principles include: #1: Optimize the Use of Visual and Auditory Modes; #2: Support Learner Attention; #3: Weed Out Unnecessary Content; #4: Provide External Memory Support; #5: Segment, Sequence and Pace Learning; and #6: Transition from Worked Examples to Practice.


Day Two. Using interactive and practical application exercises, the participants: discuss what it means to impose germane cognitive load; practice applying four guidelines for managing germane cognitive load; analyze how to accommodate differences in learner expertise; and practice creating a managed cognitive load design.


The principles include: #1: Use Diverse Worked Examples to Foster Transfer; #2: Encourage Learner Self-Explanation of Examples; #3: Help Learners Automate New Knowledge and Skills; and #4: Promote Mental Rehearsal of Complex Content.