Ever wonder why some things just stick, and others don’t? Why some days it’s harder to grasp a concept, or just work a problem? No. Geez, you’re lucky! I certainly have.

In the course of my studies, I was lead to this concept of cognitive load theory.

The basic premise is that it’s a theory about how your brain works to process incoming information, through to working memory, and then, as needed, long term memory.

It got me thinking not only about my own brain process, but also the neurodivergent brain style (a brain style I am incredibly familiar with thanks to the dearest of my loved ones). It also made me consider this new insight in the context of dealing with clients in legal practice. *mind blown*

We never know how each person processes new information or if they have to work harder than others to do at the pace of their peers (hello my neurospicy friends), or people just simply overwhelmed with information (hello clients).

This video by Practical Psychology is a 9 min intro into the cognitive load theory and is explained in a way that makes alot of practical sense.

I challenge you to think about your clients/friends/colleagues/loved ones and how they take on information. Are they struggling when they’re distracted? Is there alot of sensory overload around them whilst they’re taking to take new things in? Do they subscribe to the idea of being a ‘multi-tasker’ (hint, the video challenges that there is no such thing as multi-tasking!)?

Whilst yes, this is educational psychology and an educational theory, but this has incredibly helpful insight for anyone taking in new information; which is literally everyone, everywhere.

I shared this idea with my students recently and they asked for the video and I thought, hmmmmm. Perhaps others might find this as interesting as I did.

– Michele

Image credit, with grateful thanks, to Maxim Berg on Unsplash.