Hello everyone! In this blog, we will learn about an effective theory in educational psychology called the cognitive theory of multimedia learning created by Richard E. Mayer. It can be seen as a guide for teachers who want to facilitate the learning processes of their students. Let's take a closer look at what it is!
Learning is a process that can be enhanced by using different theories and strategies. These strategies help people understand the concepts or any other topics clearly and use them effectively. One of the theories is the cognitive theory of multimedia learning detailed by Richard E. Mayer, a professor of psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara. Firstly, people should know what multimedia learning is. Multimedia learning states that learning is facilitated much better with the use of words and pictures. CTML mainly examines how to form multimedia materials and strategies effectively during meaningful learning. CTML is based on three assumptions. The first one is the dual-channel assumption. Mayer explains that the brain takes in information and processes it in two different channels according to its representation. The first one is for processing visual information such as pictures, videos, or printed words and the second one is for processing auditory information such as spoken words or other sounds. After new information is logged in the sensory memory, it is processed and learned by learners in the working memory. CTML advises that words and pictures should be used together to activate both channels. The second one is the limited capacity assumption. According to CTML, all humans have a limited capacity for information. So that, we shouldn’t overload the learning process and we have to be careful while selecting the information that we want to draw attention to. The third one is the active processing assumption. In addition to the amount of information, the learners need to create a mental representation of what they learn. Mental representation and meaningful learning occur through 5 cognitive processes. Selecting proper words and selecting proper images are essential for processing if we don’t want to forget them quickly. Afterward, organizing words into a verbal model and images into a pictorial model in the working memory helps us avoid overload the memory. Lastly, integrating the representations with prior knowledge helps to move information long memory and occur meaningful learning.
- Here is a video link created with animation for a better understanding!
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