Cognitive Architecture and Learning in Education

This module explores the fundamental mental processes that shape how people learn, focusing on how information is perceived, processed, stored, and retrieved. Students will examine the roles of attention, memory, and schema development in supporting learning, and consider how cognitive limitations such as working memory capacity affect instructional effectiveness. Through the study of key cognitive concepts such as encoding, cognitive load, and dual processing, students will learn to critically analyse how the mind manages information and how this understanding can inform the design of learning environments. Practical implications for educational practice will be emphasized, including strategies for reducing overload, enhancing retention, and promoting deep understanding. By the end of the module, students will be able to interpret and apply principles of cognitive functioning to improve teaching and learning, laying the foundation for future exploration of learning strategies, metacognition, and instructional design.