ABSTRACT

Educational psychology has thrown light on a variety of educational processes such as school administration, classroom management, and instructional design. In this chapter, we concentrate exclusively on instructional design. Specifically, we use cognitive load theory as an example of an instructional theory based on knowledge of psychological principles. We recognize, of course, that educational psychology extends beyond instruction and that, in turn, instructional psychology extends beyond cognitive load theory. Nevertheless, we believe it is useful to use cognitive load theory as an example of what educational psychology can contribute to more general issues of education. There are, of course, many alternative case studies that could be used.