Mapping Students' Cognitive Load Profiles in Solving Geometric Integral Problems
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| Title: | Mapping Students' Cognitive Load Profiles in Solving Geometric Integral Problems |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Muhammad Muzaini (ORCID |
| Source: | European Journal of STEM Education. 2026 11(1). |
| Availability: | Lectito Journals. Wassenaarseweb 20, 2596 CH, The Hague, The Netherlands. Tel: 31-70-2190600; e-mail: info@lectitojournals.com; Web site: http://www.lectitopublishing.nl |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Cognitive Processes, Difficulty Level, Problem Solving, College Students, Foreign Countries, Geometry, Mathematics Instruction, College Mathematics |
| Geographic Terms: | Indonesia |
| ISSN: | 2468-1954 2468-4368 |
| Abstract: | Designing cognitively accessible mathematics instruction requires ensuring that learners can equitably process, understand, and apply complex mathematical ideas. This study examines students' cognitive load when solving geometric integral problems by analyzing intrinsic, extraneous, and germane load within the framework of Cognitive Load Theory. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected from 144 university students in mathematics-related programs at a public university in Indonesia through thinkaloud protocols, written solutions, and classroom observations. The data were analyzed using NVivoassisted thematic coding and supported by radar visualizations to strengthen analytical trustworthiness. The findings indicate that intrinsic load constituted the dominant cognitive burden, primarily arising from symbolic-visual confusion and visual-spatial difficulties when students attempted to coordinate algebraic expressions with geometric representations. Extraneous load further increased cognitive demands due to ambiguous verbal instructions, misinterpretation of symbolic cues, and excessive technical language; however, visual scaffolding and self-generated sketches were found to reduce unnecessary processing. Germane load emerged among a smaller group of students who demonstrated conceptual transfer, reflective verification, and schema integration, indicating the development of mathematical reasoning as students connected geometric structures with their corresponding integral representations. Overall, the study highlights the central role of instructional design in regulating cognitive load to support meaningful conceptual understanding and reasoning in solving visually complex mathematical problems. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505196 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Designing cognitively accessible mathematics instruction requires ensuring that learners can equitably process, understand, and apply complex mathematical ideas. This study examines students' cognitive load when solving geometric integral problems by analyzing intrinsic, extraneous, and germane load within the framework of Cognitive Load Theory. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected from 144 university students in mathematics-related programs at a public university in Indonesia through thinkaloud protocols, written solutions, and classroom observations. The data were analyzed using NVivoassisted thematic coding and supported by radar visualizations to strengthen analytical trustworthiness. The findings indicate that intrinsic load constituted the dominant cognitive burden, primarily arising from symbolic-visual confusion and visual-spatial difficulties when students attempted to coordinate algebraic expressions with geometric representations. Extraneous load further increased cognitive demands due to ambiguous verbal instructions, misinterpretation of symbolic cues, and excessive technical language; however, visual scaffolding and self-generated sketches were found to reduce unnecessary processing. Germane load emerged among a smaller group of students who demonstrated conceptual transfer, reflective verification, and schema integration, indicating the development of mathematical reasoning as students connected geometric structures with their corresponding integral representations. Overall, the study highlights the central role of instructional design in regulating cognitive load to support meaningful conceptual understanding and reasoning in solving visually complex mathematical problems. |
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| ISSN: | 2468-1954 2468-4368 |
