Human Cognitive Architecture

Cognitive load theory integrates the origins of human cognition in evolutionary theory with the structures and functions of human cognitive architecture to provide effective instructional design principles. Many of those principles are directly relevant to instructional technology. This chapter outlines the evolutionary bases for human cognitive architecture, examines those aspects of human cognition that are directly relevant to instruction, and discusses the various instructional principles generated by cognitive load theory with specific reference to their applicability to instructional technology. KEYWORDS Cognitive load theory: An instructional design theory based on our knowledge of human cognitive architecture. Human cognitive architecture: The manner in which structures and functions required for human cog-nitive processes are organized. Long-term memory: The store holding all knowledge acquired during the processes of learning. Natural information processing system: The procedures by which natural systems such as human cognition and evolution by natural selection process information. Working memory: The structure that processes information coming from either the environment or long-term memory and that transfers learned information for storage in long-term memory.