Analysis on Current Issues and Open Questions in Cognitive Load Research

Cognitive load theory is one of the most influential theories in instructional design.However,several issues arise when delving deeper into the theory.First,there is a need to clarify the relation between cognitive load and learning,so we should explore the effect of the individual differences that can potentially affect working memory and regulate cognitive processing on cognitive loads.Second,there is a need to clarify the definitions of the three cognitive loads,relating them with the specific educational goals of instruction,and considering individual differences in prior knowledge,working memory capacity,and domain-specific abilities,and strengthening empirical research on direct measure of cognitive load.Third,it should be assumed explicitly about the architecture of working memory and its relation to cognitive load,and the additivity should be revised based on the different subsystems of working memory model.Fourth,cognitive load research should accept and use other methods that can increase the external validity,and extend well-defined domains to ill-defined domains.