Fröjd’s toolbox Avsnitt 60: Meet Baddeley, Sweller, Bjork & Bjork, Hattie and Sachdeva in a unique Roundtable on Working Memory, Cognitive Load Theory and Desirable Difficulties
Apr 14, 2025
Guest
Nidhi Sachdeva
Guest
John Hattie
Guest
Robert Bjork
Guest
Elizabeth Bjork
Guest
John Sweller
Guest
Dr. Alan Baddeley
Join a legendary roundtable featuring Alan Baddeley, a pioneer of the working memory model, and John Sweller, creator of Cognitive Load Theory. Elizabeth and Robert Bjork share insights on how desirable difficulties can enhance memory retention. John Hattie discusses making learning visible, while Nidhi Sachdeva connects research to classroom practice. The panel explores topics like motivation, testing effects, and adapting teaching strategies for diverse learners. It’s a fascinating blend of history and practical applications in the Science of Learning.
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From Math Psychology To UCLA Emeritus
- Robert Bjork described starting as a mathematical psychologist then shifting to experimental work and later becoming research professor emeritus at UCLA.
- He reflected on career turns, golf, and fortunate choices that shaped his research path.
Working Memory Architecture Matters
- Working memory comprises multiple components: an attentional control system, separate verbal and visuospatial stores, and an episodic buffer for multi-dimensional integration.
- Alan Baddeley explains this architecture as essential for holding and manipulating information during learning and complex tasks.
Difficulty Can Improve Long-Term Learning
- Conditions that make practice harder (spacing, varied contexts, testing) often increase long-term retention despite lowering immediate performance.
- Robert and Elizabeth Bjork frame these as "desirable difficulties" that trade short-term success for durable, transferable learning.
