The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment

Abstract Background Segmentation is a common pedagogical approach in multimedia learning, but its effects on cognitive processes and learning outcomes have yet to be comprehensively explored. Understanding the role of segmentation is crucial, as it has the potential to influence the way instructiona...

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Main Author: Dongyang Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-01-01
Series:BMC Psychology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01489-5
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author Dongyang Liu
author_facet Dongyang Liu
author_sort Dongyang Liu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Segmentation is a common pedagogical approach in multimedia learning, but its effects on cognitive processes and learning outcomes have yet to be comprehensively explored. Understanding the role of segmentation is crucial, as it has the potential to influence the way instructional materials are designed and delivered in digital learning environments. Objectives This research aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary acquisition, retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning context. Methodology Participants were selected from two language schools in Zhengzhou through a multi-stage random sampling method. Ninety teenage students were randomly assigned to six experimental groups. The study utilized a 2 × 3 factorial design to examine segmentation and textual augmentation effects. Four assessment instruments were employed: a Reading Comprehension Test, a Vocabulary Assessment Test, a Cognitive Load Assessment Scale, and a Prior Knowledge Test. The experiment comprised four stages: pre-test, Instruction, post-test, and follow-up. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software, involving descriptive statistics, one-way, and multi-way analysis of variance. Results Results indicated that high segmentation significantly impacts cognitive load, vocabulary learning, retention, and reading comprehension across various aspects of multimedia learning. In essence, segmentation reduces cognitive load, supports learning efficiency, and facilitates more profound understanding, vocabulary learning, and retention. Conclusions and implications High segmentation in multimedia learning significantly impacts cognitive load, vocabulary learning, comprehension, and retention. Educators should prioritize segmentation for more effective and engaging e-learning experiences.
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spelling doaj.art-213be6f23bee450cb177820e19a61ae42024-01-07T12:55:04ZengBMCBMC Psychology2050-72832024-01-0112111210.1186/s40359-023-01489-5The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environmentDongyang Liu0School of Foreign Languages, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and EconomyAbstract Background Segmentation is a common pedagogical approach in multimedia learning, but its effects on cognitive processes and learning outcomes have yet to be comprehensively explored. Understanding the role of segmentation is crucial, as it has the potential to influence the way instructional materials are designed and delivered in digital learning environments. Objectives This research aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary acquisition, retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning context. Methodology Participants were selected from two language schools in Zhengzhou through a multi-stage random sampling method. Ninety teenage students were randomly assigned to six experimental groups. The study utilized a 2 × 3 factorial design to examine segmentation and textual augmentation effects. Four assessment instruments were employed: a Reading Comprehension Test, a Vocabulary Assessment Test, a Cognitive Load Assessment Scale, and a Prior Knowledge Test. The experiment comprised four stages: pre-test, Instruction, post-test, and follow-up. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software, involving descriptive statistics, one-way, and multi-way analysis of variance. Results Results indicated that high segmentation significantly impacts cognitive load, vocabulary learning, retention, and reading comprehension across various aspects of multimedia learning. In essence, segmentation reduces cognitive load, supports learning efficiency, and facilitates more profound understanding, vocabulary learning, and retention. Conclusions and implications High segmentation in multimedia learning significantly impacts cognitive load, vocabulary learning, comprehension, and retention. Educators should prioritize segmentation for more effective and engaging e-learning experiences.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01489-5SegmentationMultimedia environmentVocabulary learningVocabulary retentionReading comprehensionChinese learners
spellingShingle Dongyang Liu
The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment
BMC Psychology
Segmentation
Multimedia environment
Vocabulary learning
Vocabulary retention
Reading comprehension
Chinese learners
title The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment
title_full The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment
title_fullStr The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment
title_full_unstemmed The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment
title_short The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment
title_sort effects of segmentation on cognitive load vocabulary learning and retention and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment
topic Segmentation
Multimedia environment
Vocabulary learning
Vocabulary retention
Reading comprehension
Chinese learners
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01489-5
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