Lightening the Load: Reducing cognitive load in STEM learning environments

STEM learning asks students to manage a lot at once—from processing complex information and solving problems to making decisions and applying new knowledge. For some students, these demands can create cognitive overload, making it harder to engage, persist, and demonstrate what they know.

In this 90-minute virtual session, we’ll explore cognitive load as a framework for understanding student behavior and engagement in STEM learning. Participants will examine the three types of cognitive load and consider how they show up in STEM classrooms and learning environments.

Most importantly, we’ll move from theory to practice. Participants will explore concrete strategies for reducing unnecessary cognitive load without reducing the rigor or content of STEM learning. The goal is to free up students’ mental capacity for the thinking that matters most.

By the end of the session, participants will have:

• A deeper understanding of how cognitive load influences STEM learning, engagement, and behavior
• A framework for identifying sources of unnecessary cognitive load
• Practical strategies they can immediately apply to create more accessible and effective STEM learning experiences