What aspect of teaching is highlighted by the concept of cognitive load?

Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. This concept is crucial in the field of education as it emphasizes the limits of our cognitive capacity when processing information. When introducing new information, it is essential to consider the cognitive load on students to ensure they can effectively understand and retain the material.

By focusing on the mental effort required for processing information, educators can design their lessons in a way that minimizes extraneous cognitive load—unnecessary information or distractions—to free up cognitive resources for learning. This leads to improved comprehension and retention. The more manageable the cognitive load, the better students can engage with the material and develop their understanding, making this aspect of teaching particularly important for effective learning strategies.