Three Types Of Cognitive Load

Cognitive load theory separates three different demands that learning puts on our limited working memory capacity:

1. Intrinsic load. The combined attention that’s necessary to learn the pattern that will be put into long-term memory.
2. Extraneous load. Unnecessary load distracts from learning the pattern. Obvious distractions that eat up working memory, such as television in the background, make learning harder.
3. Germane load. Efforts that improve learning outcomes but are not strictly necessary to learn the pattern.