How to Avoid Learner Overload: Boost Retention and Engagement

We believe in learning that sticks without overwhelming. Our How to Avoid Learner Overload workshop is a two-day, skill-building program designed to help trainers enhance their curriculum design while keeping learners engaged. We don’t believe in information overload—smart design ensures that learners absorb, retain, and apply complex content effectively.

Mastering Cognitive Load Theory: A Proven Approach

We believe in using science to improve learning. In this workshop, you’ll dive deep into Cognitive Load Theory, a framework backed by over 25 years of research, proven to enhance learning and retention across various types of content and delivery methods. We don’t believe in guesswork—cognitive load principles offer clear, evidence-based strategies for designing curriculum that works.

You’ll learn to apply Cognitive Load Theory to your own curriculum, ensuring that learners—whether new hires or seasoned employees—don’t become overwhelmed with too much information at once. Instead, they’ll absorb content in structured, manageable ways that enhance retention and long-term understanding.

Why Choose This Workshop?

This How to Avoid Learner Overload workshop offers hands-on experience in designing content that balances depth with engagement. Through interactive exercises, you’ll gain the skills to streamline your curriculum and handout materials so learners stay engaged and absorb complex material faster. We don’t believe in information overload—structured, thoughtful content design keeps learning enjoyable and effective.

Imagine leading sessions where learners, regardless of their experience level, retain more information without feeling overwhelmed. With the tools from this workshop, you can create lessons that cater to cognitive strengths and ensure every concept resonates.

At Laurel and Associates, Ltd., we believe that effective curriculum design is the key to helping learners master complex information without feeling overloaded. Our How to Avoid Learner Overload workshop gives you the skills to apply cognitive load principles in practical, impactful ways, ensuring your training delivers real results. Because we believe that well-designed learning is long-lasting learning. Ready to enhance your curriculum design and engage your learners? Join us today and start avoiding learner overload.cur

How to Avoid Learner Overload

Day One: Understanding and Managing Extraneous Cognitive Load

On Day One, you’ll begin by defining cognitive load theory and exploring the three types of cognitive load. Through interactive exercises, you’ll:

  • Recognize how cognitive load impacts learning acquisition and retention.
  • Practice applying six guidelines to manage extraneous cognitive load and reduce unnecessary mental strain.

The six guidelines include:

  1. Optimize Visual and Auditory Modes: Ensure learners process information more efficiently by balancing visual and auditory input.
  2. Support Learner Attention: Use techniques that keep learners focused on essential content.
  3. Weed Out Unnecessary Content: Eliminate irrelevant information to streamline the learning process.
  4. Provide External Memory Support: Offer resources like charts and notes to help learners retain key information.
  5. Segment, Sequence, and Pace Learning: Break content into manageable chunks for better comprehension.
  6. Transition from Worked Examples to Practice: Gradually shift from guided examples to independent practice.

Day Two: Applying and Managing Germane Cognitive Load

On Day Two, the focus shifts to managing germane cognitive load. You’ll learn how to accommodate differences in learner expertise and ensure optimal learning experiences for all participants. Through hands-on activities, you will:

  • Discuss what it means to impose germane cognitive load.
  • Apply four guidelines to enhance learner engagement and promote deeper understanding.

The four guidelines include:

  1. Use Diverse Worked Examples: Foster knowledge transfer with varied examples.
  2. Encourage Learner Self-Explanation: Prompt learners to explain examples in their own words for better retention.
  3. Help Learners Automate Skills: Support learners in automating new knowledge and skills through practice.
  4. Promote Mental Rehearsal: Guide learners in mentally rehearsing complex content for better long-term mastery.
How to Avoid Learner Overload

Terms and Conditions

Duration: 2-Day Workshop 

Delivery Method

  • Face-to-face
  • Virtual via Zoom
Number Participants
  • Minimum Number: 10 People
  • Maximum Number: 30 people

Cost:

$6000 USD per day

Travel:

Additional costs may apply for face-to-face workshops.

Terms

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Feedback

Most valuable to me was having reference materials to take with me, and the instructor’s ability to present complex materials in a simplified format.

I give training on very complex technical information. Deb showed me that there are guidelines to help simplify how I present the information.

I appreciated the chance to take what we learned and apply it to our own training programs.