Research shows that learners cannot read and listen at the same time because the cognitive load for learners is too high.
Cognitive load describes the capacity of our brain's working memory to hold and process new pieces of information. We have a limited amount of working memory, so when a learner is faced with trying to read and listen at the same time, the cognitive load can become too much for the brain to manage.
When the cognitive load is just right, the brain maximizes its ability to retain new information.
Many of us have been guilty of overloading our student's brains and actually hindering their learning at some point. What can we do to change?
- Use pictures or limited words to enhance the presentation of information, not replace it.
- Make slides that reinforce your words, not repeat them.
- No more than six words on a slide. Less is more. (An exception to this rule would be slides that provide directions that students can refer to during an activity.)
- Avoid cheesy, boring images.
- Keep slides simple.
- When you need to provide large chunks of text, give learners a handout. Printing is free at the Print Shop!
There are exceptions, of course, such as directions for an
activity or a direct quote.
Want to read more? Check out "Why Your Students Forgot Everything on Your PowerPoint Slides" by Mary Jo Madda.
Want a resource for yourself and/or your students? This handout condenses information from Garr Reynolds book Presentation Zen. It was created for use with students, but it's also a concise summary of some of the key ideas from the book regarding presentations that you might find useful.
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