认知负荷理论下的商务英语课程设计探析

An Analysis of the Curriculum Design for Business English Based on Cognitive Load Theory

认知负荷是学习者的工作记忆所承载的压力,分为内在认知负荷、外在认知负荷和关联认知负荷。在宏观课程体系设计和微观课程设计两个层面,从学习内容选择、学习容量确定、学习顺序安排、学习手段改进和学习环境变革五个方面建构矩阵型研究框架,在总负荷不超载的情况下,通过降低外在认知负荷和提供关联认知负荷来提高商务英语学习效果,能够提升学习者的学业自信和学科自信,进而促进学科良性发展。

Cognitive load is the pressure imposed on learners’ working memory and can be divided into intrinsic, extrinsic and germane cognitive load. Based on the cognitive load theory, a matrix framework for the curriculum design has been established for undergraduate business English programs at the macro and micro levels. The matrix framework answers such questions as what to learn, how much to learn, in what order, what tools to use and in what context. By lightening the extrinsic cognitive load and providing the germane cognitive load to improve effectiveness in learning business English without overloading the learners’ working memory, the students’ self-confidence about their majors and studies can be enhanced, thus achieving good progress with the discipline of business English.