Intrinsic Cognitive Load
Intrinsic Cognitive Load refers to the inherent difficulty of the material being learned. It is determined by the complexity of the content and the learner's prior knowledge. For example, a beginner learning mathematics will experience a higher intrinsic load when tackling advanced concepts compared to someone with a strong foundation in the subject.
This type of cognitive load is essential for effective learning, as it influences how much information a learner can process at once. Educators can help manage intrinsic load by breaking down complex topics into smaller, more manageable parts, allowing learners to build their understanding gradually.