> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hyfbe.gitbook.io/teacher-curriculum/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hyfbe.gitbook.io/teacher-curriculum/topics/cognitive-load.md).

# Cognitive load

A mind can only remember/hold a specific number of things (5-7) in memory at a time. Therefore we should be specific about what we teach, not overloading the mind.

The cognitive load theory gives us guidelines to design instructions that decrease extraneous cognitive load.

Teachers can help students who are suffering from information overload by letting students know what are the critical elements of the information; in other words, prioritizing the information.

## Preparation

* [An article](https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/cognitive-load-theory.htm) describing cognitive load
* [Visualization](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZcjWzXTHng) of how cognitive load works
* [Another Visualization](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpA6RdE0aYo) of how cognitive load works

## Exercises

* [Cognitive load](/teacher-curriculum/exercises/cognitive-load.md#exercises)

## Learning Paths

* [Groundwork for student learning](/teacher-curriculum/learning-paths/groundwork-for-student-learning.md)


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