These slides contain PPT examples showing the use and abuse of the 4 cognitive science principles of cognitive load theory, dual channel theory, gestalt theory, and constructivism. This is a brief summary of: Paul, J. W., & Cicek, J. S. (2021). THE COGNITIVE SCIENCE OF POWERPOINT. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA).

1. The cognitive science behind
effective PPT design for
teaching
A summary of Paul and Cicek 2021*
from Nigel P. Daly
* Paul, J. W., & Cicek, J. S. (2021). THE COGNITIVE SCIENCE
OF POWERPOINT. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering
Education Association (CEEA).

2. Contents
Brief notes with examples on the 4 cognitive principles for effective
educational slides
1. Cognitive load theory
2. Dual channel theory
3. Gestalt theory
4. Constructivism & Guided discovery

3. ● Reading aloud bullets
● while audience reads
● can reduce comprehension!
And
● Adding image for purely aesthetic reasons
● can distract
● and also reduce comprehension!
Did you know …

4. 1. Cognitive load theory - Don’t overload info!
Limited working memory
Remember: 1. Expert-novice knowledge gap, 2. Reduce info

5. 2a. Dual channel theory - Don’t overload visual and verbal!
Working memory → 2 parts: visual and verbal (language)
Remember: slide language + visual should reinforce message
● Distracting
image!
● Non-reinforcing
“pretty” images
do not add -
they detract
from message

6. 2b. Dual channel theory - Don’t overload visual and verbal!
Working memory → 2 parts: visual and verbal
Remember: slide info should reinforce message
● 2 variations
● Verbal is
reinforced with
visual highlight
● Sync colored
highlights with
speaking

7. 3. Gestalt principles - Leverage patterns!
Minds group - or chunk - alike things
Remember: 1. Organize info by proximity/spacing, color, shape, etc 2. Use smaller chunks
● Dates on left
tell clear
story
● Non-seriph
font easier to
read
● Notes in
smaller, light-
colored font

8. 4. Constructivism - Build on previous knowledge!
New knowledge is built on old knowledge
Remember: encourage guided discovery learning
● Guide
learning with
active task:
“have you
seen …?”

9. Use all 4 cognitive principles to help your
audience learn better!