“Lots of content doesn't equal learning, but how much is enough?”
Ger’s Learning Notes #42
Less is more
As a learning designer and trainer, I always want(ed) to serve my audience in the best way possible. Often, my concern was: do I deliver them enough content? Of course, content doesn’t equal learning.
Over time and by mistake, I learned that too much content could be harmful too; often a bigger risk as compared to ‘too little’. Recently, I had the privilege of being part of the judges’ team of the aNewSpring ‘most inspiring learning journey award’. While reviewing shortlisted candidates, I not only saw some great work but also some examples of ‘content overkill’. That motivated me to take ‘less is more’ as the topic of this episode of the learning notes. And don’t worry: you still get four resources!
(1) Nuts and Bolts: find your 20%
What’s it about?
Jane Bozarth describes why it’s so hard to keep content sharp and relevant and what to do about it.
Why read it?
- Recognise and understand why working with subject matter experts makes it hard to prevent putting ‘everything’ into a course design.
- See how you can find your 20% instead.
- Learn from the practical pitfalls you might run into and how to avoid these.
Where to find it?
https://learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/472/nuts-and-bolts-find-your-20
(2) Cognitive Load Theory
By John Sweller
What’s it about?
John Sweller is the Australian educational psychologist who formulated the Cognitive Load theory. In this video, he explains some insightful elements and applications related to it.
Why watch it?
- There’s nothing better than an explanation of a concept by the one who originally came up with it!
- Learn about the difference between biological primary and secondary skills and general cognitive skills compared to domain-specific skills and how they relate to instruction.
- Sweller says: ‘without an understanding of the human cognitive architectures, instruction is blind’. Do I need to say more?
Where to find it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOLPfi9Ls-w (42:14 min)
(3) Ten Top Online Learning Writing Rules
By Donald Clark
What’s it about?
Like the title promises: ‘10 top online learning writing rules’. But wait: ‘and the psychology behind them’. Very practical and useful.
Why read it?
- Because it starts with ‘Cut it until it bleeds’ and that is a very important message related to less is more.
- Improve your work in an evidence-informed way.
- At the end, you want to read everything that Donald Clark wrote!
Where to find it?
http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2015/08/10-top-online-learning-writing-rules.html
(4) Cognitive Load Theory and Its applications for Learning
What’s it about?
Scott Young explains the Cognitive Load theory in his own words and in a very clear way.
Why read to it?
- Pick up a brief understanding of the theory.
- Learn some of its key predictions with good, concrete examples.
- Learn how you can apply the theory for both novices and experts.
Where to find it?
https://soundcloud.com/user-324815295/ep-196-cognitive-load-theory-and-its-applications-for-learning (Podcast, 18 min)
