6. Mental bandwidth is extremely limited.

Since the 1980s, cognitive load theory has been used to explain how interventions optimize (or limit) learning based on our limited mental bandwidth. This research finds:

Problem solving may be counterproductive for beginners. Novices do better when shown worked examples (solutions) instead.

Materials should be designed to avoid needing to flip between pages or parts of a diagram to understand the material.

Redundant information impedes learning.

Complex ideas can be learned more easily when presented first in parts.