Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)

Educators will be familiar with the main principles of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), given the profound impact it has on classroom engagement and revision. CLT describes how the human brain understands and stores information, emphasising the importance of minimising cognitive load wherever possible. When learners take on an overwhelming amount of information and exceed their mental storage capacity, comprehending and retaining that information becomes far more challenging, if not impossible.

For those approaching their GCSEs, avoiding this scenario can be difficult. Many of us are familiar with the term "cramming," where we attempt to squash as much information into our brain in the days, or even hours, leading up to an exam. However, this has been proven to increase stress levels and risks leading to panic and anxiety—not to mention sleepless nights impacting academic performance.

Here are some strategies educators can implement to help learners avoid cognitive burnout and enable more effective revision.

Maintaining continuity

Exam preparation should never feel like it starts in the final weeks of Year 11. Learners should have a strong foundation of knowledge to build upon and be comfortable with the tools and technologies at their disposal. Nothing should feel unfamiliar.

While there’s no underestimating the importance of Key Stage 3, schools are often forced to make difficult decisions around resource allocation. Subject specialists tend to be utilised to deliver the exam curriculum, with supply teachers being deployed to teach Years 7-9 as and when required. While schools understand that this isn’t the perfect scenario, they are rarely left with another option.

However, forming good habits and developing successful learning techniques in Years 7-9 can be the key to success in Key Stage 4. We’ve recently worked on a new content bundle designed to support educators, offering over 350 hours of Key Stage 3 learning across 432 lessons. In addition, our transition assessments mirror the SATs papers taken at the end of Key Stage 2, offering familiarity for learners and supporting teachers in managing the KS2-3 transition.

Access GCSEPod software offers 3-5 minute bursts of high-quality audio-visual learning, designed using the latest learning science to avoid cognitive burnout. Learners can work through the content independently, at home, or with an educator in a classroom setting, helping them structure their independent learning in a way that makes sense to them. By sharing content in advance of the lesson or topic, educators can set pupils up for success and support anxious or overwhelmed learners to feel more secure about what to expect.

Smarter revision

Effective time management is crucial, but knowing which content to revise and when is equally important. These skills take time to develop. While educators and learners have done an amazing job preparing for exams, the knowledge gaps created during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with pupils' tendency to focus revision on what they already know or enjoy, means teachers are under huge pressure to clearly direct revision time and revisit foundational knowledge and skills.

Let’s not forget, this cohort lost out on a month of KS3 classroom time between 2020 and 2022, a period when key skills would ordinarily have been embedded. As well as helping learners achieve one grade higher on average than non-users, Access GCSEPod provides accurate and actionable results data, helping tailor revision planning for the next cohort of learners and instilling confidence ahead of exams.

A recent Access GCSEPod survey found that learners much preferred the platform to revising with a textbook, with 72% saying they enjoyed working with the resources, and a further 81% deeming it useful or helpful. When asked about specifics, learners commended the videos available to help explain difficult topics, while others highlighted the ability to research different methods or approaches when answering a question.

Products like Access GCSEPod can do some of the heavy lifting for educators, supporting targeted revision of topics and cementing knowledge acquisition, enabling them to focus on delivering the content, developing exam skills, and avoiding cognitive burnout.

The benefits of Access GCSEPod in schools

Access GCSEPod is a powerful digital tool designed to enhance student learning and confidence through data-driven insights. By offering a vast array of digital assessments and personalised feedback, it helps teachers identify and address gaps in students' knowledge more effectively. The platform's adaptive technology and extensive question bank allow for targeted revision and support, making it an invaluable resource for both students and educators. With GCSEPod, schools can streamline their assessment processes, reduce teacher workload, and ultimately improve student outcomes. This innovative approach to learning not only meets students where they are but also prepares them for future digital assessments, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to succeed.