Journal Article

Synthesizing cognitive load and self-regulation theory

Carpenter, Shana K, Baars, Martine, Bruin, Anique B.H. de, Roelle, Julian

2020

Overview

An exponential increase in the availability of information over the last two decades has asked for novel theoretical frameworks to examine how students optimally learn under these new learning conditions, given the limitations of human processing ability. In this special issue and in the current editorial introduction, [the authors] argue that such a novel theoretical framework should integrate (aspects of) cognitive load theory and self-regulated learning theory. [The authors] describe the effort monitoring and regulation (EMR) framework, which outlines how monitoring and regulation of effort are neglected but essential aspects of self-regulated learning. Moreover, the EMR framework emphasizes the importance of optimizing cognitive load during self-regulated learning by reducing the unnecessary load on the primary task or distributing load optimally between the primary learning task and metacognitive aspects of the learning task. Three directions for future research that derive from the EMR framework and that are discussed in this editorial introduction are: (1) How do students monitor effort? (2) How do students regulate effort? and (3) How do we optimize cognitive load during self-regulated learning tasks (during and after the primary task)? Finally, the contributions to the current special issue are introduced. (Orig.).

• Publisher: Springer US,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Child and School Psychology / Cognition & reasoning / Cognitive Ability / Cognitive dissonance / Cognitive load / Cognitive Processes / Difficulty Level / Education / Educational Psychology / Educational research / Independent Study / Information management / Kognition / Kognitiver Prozess / Laws, regulations and rules / Learning and Instruction / Learning strategies / Learning Theories / Lernaufgabe / Lernbedingungen / Metacognition / Metakognition / Regulation / Review Article / Schwierigkeitsgrad / Schüler / Selbstgesteuertes Lernen / Selbstregulation / Self regulation