John Sweller

Cognitive psychology researcher, known for his role in introducing Cognitive load theory.

• Sweller - 1988 - Cognitive load during problem solving
• Sweller - 1994 - Cognitive load theory, learning difficulty, and instructional design
• Sweller & Cooper - 1985 - Use of Worked Examples as a Substitute for Problem Solving in Learning Algebra

He’s part of the big flame war against Constructivism (Kirschner et al. - 2006 - Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work)

And he’s suggested that the Testing effect has limited application for complex material: van Gog & Sweller - 2015 - Not New, but Nearly Forgotten, contra Jeffrey Karpicke and others.

Q. How was I introduced to the work of John Sweller?
A. Worked example effect and Cognitive load theory literature. ☉