Measuring and changing working memory

In this episode, Anna is joined by Dr. John Sweller, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and the researcher best known for developing Cognitive Load Theory. Together, they explore how cognitive load theory should guide classroom practice, particularly in mathematics.

John explains the limits of working memory, how experts and novices approach problem solving differently, and how strategies like worked examples can help manage cognitive load. They also discuss whether productive failure is supported by research and the strong experimental evidence supporting explicit instruction, particularly when students are learning new content.

This episode will be extremely valuable for educators, especially math teachers, who want to better understand how students become expert problem solvers and what that means for effective instruction.

This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

SHORT COURSE 

La Trobe Short Course:  Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching – An Introduction https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/evidence-informed-mathematics-teaching

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:03:53] Biologically primary and biologically secondary knowledge
[00:09:34] Element Interactivity
[00:15:37] Two characteristics of working memory
[00:16:52] Understanding long-term memory
[00:21:06] Does working memory capacity vary for different people?
[00:21:44] Can working memory capacity be altered?
[00:22:45] How can you measure working memory?
[00:23:49] Explaining cognitive load theory
[00:27:55] Can you measure cognitive load?
[00:31:51] Sweller’s definition of problem solving
[00:37:28] Understanding schemas
[00:44:26] The way novices and experts categorize problems differently
[00:46:11] The expertise reversal effect
[00:50:13] How to identify students are ready for problem solving
[00:52:12] Thoughts on productive failure
[00:55:40] Why is there still debate about prioritizing inquiry-based approaches in math instruction?

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES 

Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgw6i-13b33df

Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56

Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-znh5k-15f7937

Unmasking instructional illusions with Paul Kirschner, Carl Hendrick and Jim Heal
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kvuee-198b6ee

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-67-transcript

MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band -  ColorFilmMusic

Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social