Which of the following do you think is the single most effective strategy to optimize cognitive load placed on learners in preparing for a TBL session?
Chunking: Break complex material into smaller parts
Sequencing: Present content in a clear, logical order
Scaffolding: Provide temporary support (prompts, hints) for challenging tasks
Visual aids: Add visual aids to reduce text reliance and minimize visual distractions
Activating prior knowledge: Link new information to what learners already know
Provide feedback: Give timely, constructive input for improvement
Other: (please comment)
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We’d love to hear your perspective on which strategy makes the biggest difference and why you chose it. Jump into the conversation below, then register for my upcoming workshop with @gapatino on Mar 12, 11 am EDT / 3 pm GMT to learn more about effectively managing cognitive load in your TBL sessions!
Scaffolding encompasses both activation of prior learning and to a lesser extent, chunking. I think that providing an opportunity for students, in the prework, to build new knowledge by linking prior knowledge and breaking information into useable chunks decreases the cognitive load for students.
I think chunking and sequencing definitely help, also thoughtful learning objectives and RAT questions that keep the focus on key concepts while leaving the grayer content for application practice.
I actively use both activating prior knowledge and chunking in my teaching and training approach, as each method plays a crucial role in enhancing learning outcomes.
By linking new information to what learners already know, I help create meaningful connections, making it easier for them to retain and apply new concepts. This approach increases engagement, reduces cognitive overload, and enhances comprehension by providing a familiar foundation on which to build. It also fosters critical thinking and deeper learning, as students can relate abstract ideas to real-world experiences, especially in an immersive experiential learning environment.
Breaking complex material into smaller, manageable parts allows learners to process information more efficiently. This method improves focus, prevents information overload, and enhances retention by presenting content in structured segments. By incorporating chunking, I ensure that learners gradually build their understanding without feeling overwhelmed, leading to better mastery of the subject matter.
My personal view is that there isn’t a single best answer as all of these options most certainly reduce cognitive load. I use them all for the pre-work by creating video content in chunks, sequenced in the correct order, linking them to prior knowledge in preparation for in class sequencing of TBL activities. Students need a variety of aids to stimulate their learning and engagement with pre-work content. The deeper learning, critical thinking and immersive learning environments can happen during class if using online simulated environments or outside class (in another lesson space) focusing on authentic learning activities/assessments. I am also trying to use AIChatbots to reduce cognitive load.
I agree with eprabh, it is hard to pick just one as they all can be useful to reduce cognitive load. I think understanding what is relevant and what is extraneous content is important and helping the learner be aware as well will also help. Sometimes educators forget that learners may not be able to distinguish the pertinent information from what is given.
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I think this question is similar to “Which is the single most effective safety feature in a car?” with options being Brakes, Seat belts, Air bags, etc. All the options here contribute towards optimizing cognitive load and most of us would employ more than one for an additive or synergistic effect.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this poll and contributed to the discussion! It was great to see so many insightful perspectives on optimizing cognitive load in TBL.
A special thank you to those who joined our Managing Cognitive Load in TBL session! We had an engaging discussion and hands-on activities that explored practical ways to reduce extraneous cognitive load and enhance learning. We wanted to share a few key takeaways from the session:
Balancing Cognitive Load Strategies: Many participants emphasized that no single strategy is enough on its own—a combination of chunking, sequencing, activating prior knowledge, and scaffolding creates the best learning experience.
Practical Solutions from Our Activity: During the session, teams brainstormed ways to reduce cognitive overload in a TBL module. Here are some of their top strategies:
Prioritizing clarity in learning objectives—keeping them SMART and directly aligned with assessments.
Providing structured pre-work—using microlectures, guiding questions, and chapter readings to prepare students efficiently.
Consolidating content—avoiding redundant sources, using a single structured document, and focusing on key takeaways.
Visual simplification—replacing large text blocks with visuals and reducing unnecessary slide content.
Encouraging active engagement—leveraging error-analysis opportunities and open-ended, low-stakes tasks to improve retention.
This aligns with what many of you shared in the poll discussion! Several of you, including @rakeshcalton and @MSinclair, highlighted the importance of chunking and activating prior knowledge to make new content easier to absorb. Others, like @eprabh and @SandyCook, pointed out that all strategies have value, depending on context.
The key takeaway? Optimizing cognitive load isn’t about a single best method—it’s about using multiple techniques that complement each other!
For those looking to dive deeper into Cognitive Load Theory and how to apply it effectively in TBL, we’ve put together an exclusive resource for our community members. It breaks down some of the effects of cognitive overload and provides some strategies to optimize different types of cognitive load in Readiness Assurance Process.
Balancing Cognitive Load Strategies: Many participants emphasized that no single strategy is enough on its own—a combination of chunking, sequencing, activating prior knowledge, and scaffolding creates the best learning experience.
You can download it here: