Reducing Cognitive Load using RLOs with Instructional Strategies (original) (raw)

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of Reusable Learning Objects (RLO) integrated with two instructional strategies to reduce cognitive load as measured by the Paas mental effort rating scale. The main intention for utilizing the RLO strategy is to create smaller chunks of information to help reduce cognitive load, thus enabling incremental consumption of processed information as advocated in a constructivist environment. The RLO strategy has illustrated similar functionality of the working memory as indicated in the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). The information delivered through two different instructional strategies with the incorporation of the RLO was expected to enhance learning with the reduction of cognitive load as learning progressed. However, does the reduction of cognitive load really reduce the mental effort invested by learners during the learning process? The subject matter selected for the RLO strategy was the Malaysian Form One English Literature Component. There we...

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