Cognitive load theory: Four items at a time, with Greg Ashman
Greg Ashman—author of multiple books including A Little Guide for Teachers: Cognitive Load Theory, deputy principal, and professor—sits down with Susan Lambert on this episode to discuss cognitive load theory and how it applies to how students learn and how to best teach them. Together their conversation covers cognitive load theory, including an exploration of working memory and long-term memory; intrinsic load and extraneous load; biologically primary vs. biologically secondary knowledge; and how to apply these concepts in the classroom. Ashman also provides listeners with helpful advice on ensuring their teaching practices are based on evidence.
Meet our guest(s):
Greg Ashman, Ph.D.
Greg Ashman, Ph.D., is the deputy principal at Ballarat Clarendon College, Victoria. He is an honorary fellow at the Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy, Australian Catholic University, and a part-time professor at Academica University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam. Greg is a prolific writer and has written three books: The Truth About Teaching: An Evidence-informed Guide for New Teachers, The Power of Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction, and A Little Guide for Teachers: Cognitive Load Theory. He also produces a newsletter at fillingthepail.substack.com. Prior to moving to Australia, Greg worked at three government schools in London as a teacher, head of science and deputy principal.
Meet our host, Susan Lambert
Susan Lambert is the Chief Academic Officer of Elementary Humanities at Amplify, and the host of Science of Reading: The Podcast. Her career has been focused on creating high-quality learning environments using evidence-based practices. Lambert is a mom of four, a grandma of four, a world traveler, and a collector of stories.
As the host of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Lambert explores the increasing body of scientific research around how reading is best taught. As a former classroom teacher, administrator, and curriculum developer, Lambert is dedicated to turning theory into best practices that educators can put right to use in the classroom, and to showcasing national models of reading instruction excellence.
