The synergy of embodied cognition and cognitive load theory for optimized learning

IF 21.4 1区心理学 Q1 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Nature Human Behaviour Pub Date : 2025-03-21 DOI:10.1038/s41562-025-02152-2

Liye Zou, Zhihao Zhang, Myrto Mavilidi, Yanxia Chen, Fabian Herold, Kim Ouwehand, Fred Paas

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Abstract

The integration of embodied cognition and cognitive load theory offers a promising framework for advancing educational practices. Cognitive load theory emphasizes the constraints of working memory and the importance of managing cognitive load through effective instructional design. Embodied cognition highlights the role of physical actions, such as gestures, object manipulation and whole-body activities, in enhancing cognitive processes. This Review highlights the importance of bridging these frameworks by exploring their theoretical foundations and synthesizing empirical evidence on the benefits of physical actions in learning. Here we present the introduction of the relevance–integration taxonomy as a transformative advancement in embodied cognition research, offering new perspectives for educational interventions. Additionally, we identify current gaps in cognitive load theory applications and propose future research directions to unify these approaches, aiming to optimize learning outcomes across diverse educational settings. This work has broad implications for advancing evidence-based instructional design.

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具身认知与认知负荷理论在优化学习中的协同作用

具身认知与认知负荷理论的整合为促进教育实践提供了一个有前景的框架。认知负荷理论强调工作记忆的约束以及通过有效的教学设计来管理认知负荷的重要性。具身认知强调身体动作，如手势、物体操作和全身活动，在增强认知过程中的作用。本综述强调了通过探索这些框架的理论基础和综合关于身体行动在学习中的益处的经验证据来弥合这些框架的重要性。在此，我们介绍了关联-整合分类法作为具身认知研究的革命性进展，为教育干预提供了新的视角。此外，我们确定了当前认知负荷理论应用的差距，并提出了未来的研究方向，以统一这些方法，旨在优化不同教育环境下的学习成果。这项工作对推进循证教学设计具有广泛的意义。

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来源期刊

Nature Human Behaviour Psychology-Social Psychology

CiteScore

36.80

自引率

1.00%

发文量

227

期刊介绍： Nature Human Behaviour is a journal that focuses on publishing research of outstanding significance into any aspect of human behavior.The research can cover various areas such as psychological, biological, and social bases of human behavior.It also includes the study of origins, development, and disorders related to human behavior.The primary aim of the journal is to increase the visibility of research in the field and enhance its societal reach and impact.