Student teacher challenges: using the cognitive load theory as an explanatory lens

Abstract

Cognitive load theory (CLT) can explain the challenges faced by student teachers. This study, guided by the CLT, included 26 pre-service teachers. Participants completed a cognitive load self-report questionnaire and were interviewed at two points during their student teaching. Results revealed that student teachers decreased mental effort related to monitoring their students’ level of attention, meeting needs of diverse learners, and managing internal and external distractions. Qualitative analysis revealed: (1) student teachers became aware of limited cognitive resources; (2) lesson planning imposes cognitive load during student teaching; and (3) cognitive overload limits the ability to make modifications during teaching.

Keywords:

• cognitive load
• mental load
• pre-service teachers

Notes

1. The interview questions included: (1) We would like to understand your lesson planning process more fully. Can you describe your process of planning a recent lesson? (2) Talk about how you get started, what materials you use, how you decide on the objectives and goals for your lesson, and how much time do you use to plan the lesson. (3) How does the lesson connect with the content or the curriculum that your students are learning? (4) What is easy for you in planning? (5) What challenges do you face while you plan? (6) What are you thinking about as you plan the lessons? What is going through your mind? (7) Can you talk about why you rated yourself for the mental effort required to teach the content of this lesson? Manage the external and internal distractors? Effectively teach this lesson? (8)What are you beginning to learn about yourself as a teacher as you apply the lesson plans that you create and design into your classroom with your students? (9) Can you talk about how you embedded classroom management into your lesson planning and teaching? (10) Can you talk about how you supported learning of all students in your lesson planning and teaching? (11) What strengths do you see for yourself now as a lesson planner? (12) What more do you want to work on in term of lesson planning?