Mayer's Principles Checklist

Why Mayer's Principles?

Based on Cognitive Load Theory, Richard Mayer discovered that our brains process visual info and auditory info through two separate, limited channels.

If we overload the visual channel (by showing complex charts while also forcing people to read bullet points), learning halts. But if we use both channels effectively (showing charts while speaking the text), learning increases.

Extraneous Processing

This is mental effort wasted on poorly designed layouts. (e.g., trying to read text while someone speaks different words).

Essential Processing

This is the mental effort needed to grasp the core concepts.

Generative Processing

This is the deep mental effort of making sense of the material (e.g., relating it to prior knowledge).