Week 10 - Microlesson<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Cognitive Load and Collaborative Learning<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
For this week's microlesson, we'd like to explore the notion of collaborative learning through the lens of cognitive load theory. This lesson includes the following:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n\t
Short Video<\/strong> - Types of Cognitive Load (Optional to watch)<\/span><\/li>\n\t
Short Text <\/strong>- '<\/span>8 Principles on Cognitive Load and Collaborative Learning<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
To begin the lesson, we recommend first watching the video below. It is optional to watch this video, the video does cover some important terms that might help you better understand the text that follows. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/p>\n\n
\n
Optional - Please watch the video below<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"991cd06b-3880-43b7-af4f-b69d5a684d2e"},"useSeparator":"auto"},{"content":{"params":{"visuals":{"fit":false,"controls":true},"playback":{"autoplay":false,"loop":false},"l10n":{"name":"Video","loading":"Video player loading...","noPlayers":"Found no video players that supports the given video format.","noSources":"Video source is missing.","aborted":"Media playback has been aborted.","networkFailure":"Network failure.","cannotDecode":"Unable to decode media.","formatNotSupported":"Video format not supported.","mediaEncrypted":"Media encrypted.","unknownError":"Unknown error.","invalidYtId":"Invalid YouTube ID.","unknownYtId":"Unable to find video with the given YouTube ID.","restrictedYt":"The owner of this video does not allow it to be embedded."},"sources":[{"path":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IkH0EGYqWO0","mime":"video\/YouTube","copyright":{"license":"U"}}]},"library":"H5P.Video 1.6","metadata":{"contentType":"Video","license":"U","title":"Cognitive Load Theory - Types of Cognitive Load"},"subContentId":"17ce586b-85d5-476d-8a5b-a1291e03b2ab"},"useSeparator":"auto"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
\n
Please read the article below. <\/span><\/h2>\n\n
\n
<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"4167b0c9-863f-4ff1-b41a-657c66316aff"},"useSeparator":"auto"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
8 Principles on Cognitive Load and Collaborative Learning<\/h2>\n\n
by Connie Malamed<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Collaborative learning\u2014when people work together in small groups to help each other learn\u2014is considered an effective instructional approach. But research shows that the benefits of collaborative learning, both in-person and in the virtual classroom, are mixed (Kirschner et. al., 2011).<\/p>\n\n
In an effort to discover the cause of these inconsistent results, researchers have been studying the effects of collaborative learning on working memory. Specifically, they examined how cognitive load might contribute to the difficulty or ease of collaborative learning tasks.<\/p>\n\n
A Little Background<\/h2>\n\n
It is well accepted that our working memory resources are limited. The term cognitive load<\/em> refers to the total<\/em> working memory resources that are required to carry out a learning task (Sweller, 1998). (See What is Cognitive Load<\/a> for more on this.)<\/p>\n\n
Instructional designers can apply strategies to reduce extraneous<\/em> cognitive load\u2014the way that information or tasks are presented to the learner. Reducing extraneous load increases the mental resources available for actual learning tasks. Cognitive load theory typically focuses on individual rather than group learning, which is why I found the research discussed here to be of special interest.<\/p>\n\n
What types of tasks cause high cognitive load?<\/h2>\n\n
A key to understanding cognitive load is to think in terms of the complexity of a learning task. Cognitive load is higher when there is greater element interactivity in the information to be processed. Conversely, when the information to be processed consists of independent elements, the cognitive load is lower.<\/p>\n\n
For example, memorizing the definitions of 20 parts of the human body is not a complex task because each definition can be learned independently. On the other hand, learning how the components of human anatomy work together is<\/em> a complex task, because the components interact. Note: the expertise of the learner also affects task complexity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
How might collaborative learning reduce cognitive load?<\/h2>\n\n
Studies have found that sharing the load of complex tasks across group members can reduce each individual\u2019s cognitive load. When complex tasks are divvied up, individual group members no longer need to hold the full complexity of the task in their working memory. Instead, they can just focus on those portions of the task that they have been assigned.<\/p>\n\n
A Timing Effect.<\/strong> The timing of information contribution may also be of benefit to collaborative learning. When different group members contribute relevant content, the information is likely to be introduced at the time that it is needed, which can reduce cognitive load (Kirschner et al., 2018). This means there is no need for each individual to try and hold an excessive amount of information in working memory.<\/p>\n\n
How might collaborative learning increase cognitive load?<\/h2>\n\n
Perhaps you\u2019ve felt that group learning was a waste of time and effort when communicating with team members or when organizing team tasks. These activities are considered transaction costs<\/em>, which require the resources of working memory to pursue (Kirschner et al., 2009). When transaction costs are high, they increase cognitive load. Therefore, the advantages of collaborative learning must be greater than the costs of interacting, organizing and planning with team members.<\/p>\n\n
How to Improve the Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning<\/h2>\n\n
Seen through the lens of cognitive load, there are three aspects of collaborative learning to consider during design: the learning task, the individual learners and the group (Kirschner et. al., 2018). By keeping the following principles in mind during design and implementation, you should be able to improve the benefits of collaborative learning and reduce the transactive costs. These principles were gleaned from the article, Cognitive Load Theory to Collaborative Cognitive Load Theory<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n*
\n\t
Collaborative learning is most effective for complex learning tasks and solving problems that are likely to exceed the working memory resources of the individuals. The tasks should be complex enough to justify the additional effort required to organize and coordinate with others.<\/li>\n\t
It is important to provide sufficient guidance and support for completing the learning tasks so that collaborative learning is effective. <\/li>\n\t
Novices with a low level of domain-specific knowledge have a greater potential to benefit from the collective working memory than those with high levels of domain-specific knowledge.<\/li>\n\t
When team members have expertise in domain-specific knowledge, it lowers the cognitive load caused by transactive activities. <\/li>\n\t
Cognitive load is reduced when group members are experienced in collaborative learning. It allows them to focus their cognitive resources on the learning task rather than the coordinating tasks.<\/li>\n\t
Team members who do not yet have the skills for dealing with group learning may incur a high cognitive load that could hinder learning. Providing instructions on how to effectively collaborate may help those who are inexperienced with group work.<\/li>\n\t
Groups of people who have previously worked together will have reduced transactive costs because they have already figured out how to communicate, share knowledge and distribute tasks.<\/li>\n\t
Team roles may reduce the cognitive load incurred from coordination activities necessary for working in a group. Consider assigning team roles or asking learners to self-assign them. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n
According to the research, there are advantages to collaborative learning when groups are working on complex tasks. Sharing the work allows individuals to off-load some of the interactive elements to other members of a group. In these cases, collaborative learning is superior to individualized learning (Sweller, 2011).<\/p>\n\n
However, if the coordination and sharing of knowledge exceeds a person\u2019s working memory resources to complete a learning task, then group learning is not as efficient or effective as individualized learning. In other words, if collaboration comes at too high a cost, it\u2019s not worth it.<\/p>\n\n
References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\t
Kirschner, F., Paas, F., & Kirschner, P. A. Individual and group-based learning from complex cognitive tasks: Effects on retention and transfer efficiency. Computers in Human Behavior, 25, 306\u2013314 (2009).<\/li>\n\t
Kirschner, F., Pass, F., & Kirschner, P. Task Complexity as a Driver for Collaborative Learning Efficiency: The Collective Working-Memory Effect. Applied Cognitive Psychology,<\/em> 25: 615\u2013624 (2011).<\/li>\n\t
Kirschner, P.A., Sweller, J. Kirschner, F. & Zambrano, R. From Cognitive Load Theory to Collaborative Cognitive Load Theory. International. Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, <\/em>13:213\u2013233 (2018).<\/li>\n\t
Slavin, R. E. Cooperative learning and academic achievement: Why does groupwork work? Annals of Psychology<\/em>, 30, 785\u2013791 (2014).<\/li>\n\t
Sweller, J. Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science<\/em>, 12, 257\u2013285 (1988).<\/li>\n\t
Sweller, J., Ayers, P. & Kalyuga, S. Cognitive Load Theory,<\/em> New York: Springer-Verlag New York<\/em> (2011).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
Source <\/strong><\/em>- https:\/\/theelearningcoach.com\/learning\/cognitive-load-of-collaborative-learning\/<\/p>\n\n
*This section was slightly modified for this microlesson. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"266239be-d6bb-4834-b37e-99e3a8cbd765"},"useSeparator":"auto"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
\n
Let's Collaborate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
In the spirit of collaboration, I have created a simple acitivity using a Jamboard for you. Please click on the link below to access it and share your thoughts. You will find instructions in the Jamboard. Thank you!<\/p>\n\n
Link to Jamboard<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n\n
\n
<\/h3>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"b0a00dea-4b3b-4452-bffe-29f824c221aa"},"useSeparator":"auto"}]}

Cognitive Load and Collaborative Learning

Description

Nidhi Sachdeva, PhD