In this episode Paras, Dipti and I review a paper on Cognitive Load Theory. To set the scene I quickly outline the Human Memory Model and then focus on ‘Working Memory’. We then discuss how Cognitive Load Theory has a real impact on teaching and touch on how this is related to effective learning strategies.Expertise reversal effect, congruence, split attention principle and the modalities of working memory are covered and some other related papers are signposted. We try to make sense of the ‘variability principle’ and why you need to have cognitive load theory in mind when putting together a presentation.Cognitive load theory in health professional education: design principles and strategies. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03498.xFurther reading/resourcesYoung JQ, Ten Cate O, O’Sullivan PS & Irby DM. (2016). Unpacking the complexity of patient handoffs through the lens of Cognitive Load Theory. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 28 (1): 88-96. https://doi.org/10.1080/10401334.2015.1107491 Young JQ, Van Merrienboer J, Durning S & Olle Ten Cate, O. (2014). Cognitive Load Theory: implications for medical education: AMEE Guide No. 86. Medical Teacher, 36 (5): 371-384. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2014.889290 Ghanbari S, Haghani F, Barekatain M & Jamali A. (2020). A systematized review of cognitive load theory in health sciences education and a perspective from cognitive neuroscience. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 9: 176. https://dx.doi.org/10.4103%2Fjehp.jehp_643_19 Chamberland M, Mamede S, St-Onge C, Setrakian J, Bergeron L & Schmidt H. (2015). Self-explanation in learning clinical reasoning: the added value of examples and prompts. Health Professions Education, 1(1): 24-33. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.12623A production by the Clinical Education Department at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.Hosts:Dr Andrew HughesConsultant AnaesthetistFaculty Development TutorPip DivallClinical LibrarianDr Hussein UraibyPathology RegistrarDr Dipti SamaniConsultant in Medicine for the ElderlyDr Paras PatelAnaesthetics RegistrarTwitter: @UHL_ClinEd @DrAHughesYouTube: @UHLClinEdEmail: [email protected]⁠