# Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller (Ep 67)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/chalk-talk-6066907/cognitive-load-theory-and-learning-math-with-john-sweller-ep-67
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/chalk-talk-6066907/cognitive-load-theory-and-learning-math-with-john-sweller-ep-67.md
Podcast: [Chalk & Talk](https://stenobird.com/podcast/chalk-talk-6066907)
Published: 2026-03-20T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/cognitive-load-theory-and-learning-math-with-john-sweller-ep-67/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/py3z8ezwtm8au2rt/Chalk_and_Talk_Ep_67aoqlk.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/chalk-talk-6066907/episodes/cognitive-load-theory-and-learning-math-with-john-sweller-ep-67
Duration seconds: 3568

## Resource

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…

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