Is cognitive load theory pitifully wrong?
Greg Ashman,
Filling the Pail,
Dec 23, 2024
Yes. Yes it is. But I'll let make Greg Ashman make the case that it is not here, as he replies to a strongly worded criticism (12 page PDF) from Minkang Kim, Christopher Duncan, Stanley Yip and Derek Sankey as they call cognitive load theory "a truly bewildering set of claims that, given a moment's thought, are educationally, philosophically, and neurobiologically questionable." It's a good paper; I recommend people read it. Anyhow, Ashman responds with two major critiques: first, the author says cognitive load theory describes the mind as a computer, which Ashman says isn't right: "the problem with the computer analogy is that it assumes that the central executive controls attention and directs working memory resources." And second, "Kim et al.'s argument seems to rest on neuroscience. However, it is never clear exactly how this applies." Ashman recommends the critics "learn a little more about cognitive load theory before they attempt to shoot it down" but I would say they know it all to well. Image: Barefoot TEFL.
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