A Cognitive Load Approach to Collaborative Learning: United Brains for Complex Tasks |
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Authors: | Femke Kirschner Fred Paas Paul A Kirschner |
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Institution: | (1) Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Open University of The Netherlands, P.O. Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands;(2) Netherlands Laboratory for Lifelong Learning/Department of Psychology, Open University of The Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | This article presents a review of research comparing the effectiveness of individual learning environments with collaborative
learning environments. In reviewing the literature, it was determined that there is no clear and unequivocal picture of how,
when, and why the effectiveness of these two approaches to learning differ, a result which may be due to differing complexities
of the learning tasks used in the research and the concomitant load imposed on the learner’s cognitive system. Based upon
cognitive load theory, it is argued that learning by an individual becomes less effective and efficient than learning by a
group of individuals as task complexity increases. Dividing the processing of information across individuals is useful when
the cognitive load is high because it allows information to be divided across a larger reservoir of cognitive capacity. Although
such division requires that information be recombined and that processing be coordinated, under high load conditions, these
costs are minimal compared to the gain achieved by this division of labor. In contrast, under low load conditions, an individual
can adequately carry out the required processing activities, and the costs of recombination and coordination are relatively
more substantial. Implications of these ideas for research and practice of collaborative learning are discussed. |
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Keywords: | Collaborative learning Cognitive load Task complexity Brain science |
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