I don't agree with Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). Here's Why -- Updated

November 7, 2025

A question: is Cognitive Load Theory another example of the emperor’s new clothes?

I don't agree with Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). Here's Why (Updated with downloadable paper)file)

February 14, 2024

A question: is Cognitive Load Theory another example of the emperor’s new clothes?

Some thoughts on memory, and especially 'working memory'

July 19, 2022

My position is that I think the idea of ‘working memory’ is misapplied and, in any case, unnecessary.

Review: The Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

July 16, 2022

This book differs from many of the books and articles I’ve read about memory because it delves into the physical changes that occur in different situations.

I don't agree with Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). Here's Why

November 7, 2021

A question: is Cognitive Load Theory another example of the emperor’s new clothes?

Recent book reviews

The Learning Rainforest Great Teaching in Real Classrooms Great Teaching in Real Classrooms.jpg

Review: The Learning Rainforest: Great Teaching in Real Classrooms

This is a great book for dipping into in order to read about different teaching and assessment strategies, backed up by research.

Outstanding Formative Assessment Culture and Practice.jpg

Review: Outstanding Formative Assessment: Culture and Practice

This book contains numerous assessment for learning techniques.

New Media in the Classroom Rethinking Primary Literacy.jpg

Review: New Media in the Classroom: Rethinking Primary Literacy

This provides a great deal of information about the different aspects of "literacy” and how digital tools can be brought into the service of literacy in the primary school.

Review: Designing the internet of things

This book takes you through the process of designing connected devices from prototyping to launching.

Quick look: (Un)educated: My Life as a Teacher, and Why You Should Never Become One

“Some of it is laugh-out loud funny, but some of it, about his reference being spiked, made me angry …”

A Heads-up: Hot Type: The Magnificent Machine that Gave Birth to Mass Media and Drove Mark Twain Mad

This is about the invention of linotype, and its consequences.

Are we in, or entering, a post-literate society?

I know that there are people who think that Tik-Tok videos and other (very) short-form content is a kind of literacy that’s on a par with reading, but I have my doubts.

Review: Amazing Worlds

A very good showcase for what can be achieved from a partnership between imagination and AI.

The Batsford Book of Chess for Children.jpg

Review: The Batsford Book of Chess for Children New Edition: Beginner’s chess for kids

This book doesn’t have any education technology, but I think the game of chess is a worthwhile activity for kids for developing strategic thinking skills.

Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds.jpg

Review: Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds: Move to Global Collaboration One Step at a Time (Pearson Resources for 21st Century Learning)

The authors of this book, ran several projects which entailed collaboration between students in classrooms in different countries.