Publications

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) has inspired a rich body of research aimed at improving instructional design across disciplines. This page highlights key publications that have shaped and advanced the field, including special issues, landmark articles, and notable contributions from the ICLTA community.

Special issues

Ouwehand, K., Lespiau, F., Tricot, A., & Paas, F. (2025). Cognitive Load Theory: Emerging Trends and Innovations. Education Sciences, 15(4), 458.

de Koning, B., Zhang, S., & Sepp, S. (Eds.). (2024). Human Movement and Learning [Special issue]. Educational Psychology Review.

Hanham, J., Castro-Alonso, J. C., & Chen, O. (2023). Integrating cognitive load theory with other theories, within and beyond educational psychology. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(Suppl. 2), 239-250.

Castro-Alonso, J.C., & de Koning, B. B. (2020). Latest trends to optimize computer-based learning: Guidelines from cognitive load theory. Computers in Human Behavior, 112, 106458.

de Bruin, A. B. H., Roelle, J., Carpenter, S. K., & Baars, M. (Eds.). (2020). Cognitive load and self-regulated learning: Effort monitoring and regulation [Special issue]. Educational Psychology Review, 32(4).

Ginns, P., & Leppink, J. (2019). Special issue on cognitive load theory. Educational Psychology Review, 31, 255-259.

Chandler, P., & Tricot, A. (Eds.). (2015). Mind your body: The essential role of body movements in children’s learning [Special issue]. Educational Psychology Review, 27(3).

Paas, F., & Ayres, P. (Eds.). (2014). Cognitive load theory: A broader view on the role of memory in learning and education [Special issue]. Educational Psychology Review, 26(2).

van Gog, T., Paas, F., & Sweller, J. (Eds.). (2010). Cognitive load theory: Advances in research on worked examples, animations, and cognitive load measurement [Special issue]. Educational Psychology Review, 22(4).

Paas, F., van Gog, T., & Sweller, J. (Eds.). (2010). Cognitive load theory: New conceptualizations, specifications, and integrated research perspectives [Special issue]. Educational Psychology Review, 22(2).

Kalyuga, S., & Renkl, A. (2010). Expertise reversal effect and its instructional implications: Introduction to the special issue. Instructional Science, 38, 209-215.

Paas, F., & Ayres, P. (Eds.). (2009). Advancing cognitive load theory through interdisciplinary research [Special issue]. Educational Psychology Review, 21(1).

Verhoeven, L., Schnotz, W., & Paas, F. (2009). Cognitive load in interactive knowledge construction. Learning and instruction, 19(5), 369-375.

Paas, F., & Sweller, J. (Eds.). (2006). Managing cognitive load to foster learning and transfer [Special issue]. Learning and Instruction, 16(2).

Kester, L., & Paas, F. (2005). Instructional interventions to enhance collaboration in powerful learning environments. Computers in Human Behavior, 21(4), 689-696.

Rikers, R. M., Van Gerven, P. W., & Schmidt, H. G. (2004). Cognitive load theory as a tool for expertise development. Instructional Science, 32, 173-182.

Paas, F., Renkl, A., & Sweller, J. (2003). Cognitive load theory and instructional design: Recent developments. Educational psychologist, 38(1), 1-4.

Kirschner, P. A. (2002). Cognitive load theory: Implications of cognitive load theory on the design of learning. Learning and instruction, 12(1), 1-10.

Valcke, M. (2002). Cognitive load: updating the theory?. Learning and Instruction, 12(1), 147-154.

Notable contributions

Hassan, W., Martella, A. M., & Robinson, D. H. (2024). Identifying the most cited articles and authors in educational psychology journals from 1988 to 2023. Educational Psychology Review, 36(3), 94.

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