John Sweller
Early Life and Education
John Sweller was born in 1946 in Sydney, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Sydney in 1968. He pursued his interest in psychology and cognitive science, earning a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Adelaide in 1972. His doctoral research focused on Cognitive Load Theory, a concept that would later become a cornerstone of his career.
Career
Sweller began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Adelaide in 1972. He later moved to the University of New South Wales in 1976, where he served as a senior lecturer and then as a professor in the School of Education. His research during this period primarily focused on the application of cognitive psychology principles to instructional design, leading to the development of Cognitive Load Theory.
Cognitive Load Theory
Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is a theory of learning that was developed by Sweller in the 1980s. The theory is based on the premise that human cognitive processing has a limited capacity, and that instructional methods should therefore be designed to minimize extraneous cognitive load. This allows learners to devote more cognitive resources to the process of schema acquisition and automation, which are essential for learning.
Impact and Influence
Sweller's work on Cognitive Load Theory has had a significant impact on the field of education and instructional design. His research has influenced the design of instructional materials and methods, with a focus on reducing extraneous cognitive load and enhancing learning efficiency. His work has also contributed to the understanding of how cognitive structures and processes affect learning and problem-solving.
Later Life and Honors
Sweller retired from the University of New South Wales in 2016, but continues to contribute to the field of cognitive psychology and education. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, including the American Educational Research Association's Outstanding Contribution to Research in Education award in 2017.