Keep it Simple: Get Rid of the Extras
Reduce Extraneous Processing with the Coherence Principle
Did you ever watch a video or presentation that was bursting with text, buzzing with animation, or bouncing with clip art and wild colors? Or, have you been deluged by chevron-laden handouts from Pinterest or TpT? We’re all probably a little guilty of overdoing our learning designs and stuffing them with too much information. I know I am, but we can do better.
As learning designers, we're always looking for ways to create effective and engaging learning experiences for our learners. One concept that can help us achieve this is known as the Coherence Principle. Let’s explore how this principle can help us keep things simple.
► What is the Coherence Principle?
The Coherence Principle is one of the 12 principles of multimedia learning developed by Richard Mayer and his colleagues. The principle states that people learn better when extraneous material is excluded rather than included. In other words, learners are more likely to understand and retain information when it's presented in a clear and concise manner, without unnecessary distractions or embellishments.
► Why is the Coherence Principle important?
The Coherence Principle is important because it helps prevent cognitive overload. By applying the Coherence Principle in your learning design, you can help your learners focus on the essential information and reduce material that can be distracting or overwhelming.
Watch the following video by @wisconline to see this principle in action.
► How can you apply the Coherence Principle?
Here are 5 tips on how you can apply the Coherence Principle in your learning designs:
Keep it simple and straightforward: Avoid unnecessary text that doesn’t directly support the learning objectives. Use clear and concise language that's easy to understand.
Use visuals strategically: Use visuals selectively and make sure they're relevant to the learning objectives.
Avoid unnecessary redundancy: Use repetition strategically, such as to summarize key points at the end of a lesson or module.
Provide clear organization: Use headings, subheadings, and other cues to help learners understand how the information is structured.
Minimize distractions: Avoid using unnecessary sound effects or animations that can distract learners from the essential information.
The Coherence Principle in Action
The microlearning authors who developed JoltEDU’s Trauma Resiliency courses model the Coherence Principle, especially in their course videos, staying connected to their learning objectives and choosing words/pictures that are clear, concise, relevant, but still impactful, like this example from a video in the micro-course: Student Achievement: Let’s Widen the Lens. The objective of this video was to discuss the connection between trauma and achievement. Doesn’t this screenshot from the video speak volumes?
So, as we develop learning experiences for children or adults, the Coherence Principle is an important concept for us to understand and apply in our work. By keeping the learning experience simple, straightforward, and free of extraneous material, we can create more effective and engaging learning experiences for our learners.
Love the tips for applying this principle to micro-courses. Less is more.