Supporting Learning: Managing Cognitive Load and Working Memory
Are your pupils struggling to keep up with lessons, feeling overwhelmed by complex tasks or forgetting instructions? This course will help you tackle these challenges by providing practical strategies to manage cognitive load and support working memory in the classroom. You’ll learn how to reduce cognitive overload, make learning more accessible and boost engagement for all, including pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). By applying these evidence-based techniques, you'll empower your pupils to process information more effectively, retain knowledge longer and succeed with greater confidence.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania & Hayley Wallace
2 hours
Online Course
By completing this course, you will:
understand the concept of working memory and its limitations in the learning process;
learn strategies to reduce cognitive overload through effective lesson design and delivery;
explore techniques for chunking information and scaffolding tasks to support pupil understanding;
identify signs of cognitive overload in pupils and adapt teaching approaches to address them;
develop skills to sequence lessons that build on prior knowledge while managing the demands on working memory.
Course Lessons
Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania
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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader—because why settle for just one challenge? Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership for good measure), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.
From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Dina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a CPD content writer and editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful resources that continue to support teachers, leaders and learners—just this time, it’s done from behind the scenes!
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Presented by: Hayley Wallace
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Hayley is a Video Content Creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She has over 15 years teaching experience as a primary classroom teacher and specialist science teacher in both primary and secondary. She has been a subject lead in science for over 12 years and successfully lead departments of experienced and trainee teachers. As well as completing a PGCE in Primary Education, she has achieved a BSc(Hons) in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a post graduate qualification in Forensic Science. Hayley has also held leadership roles in whole school wellbeing and is passionate about school culture and making education a positive experience for both pupils and staff.
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Developed in collaboration with: Carly Watkins
Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with an MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.
