Reducing cognitive load on the working memory by signaling primed colors : Can color improve the learning of mathematics?

Sammanfattning: Cognitive load theory explains the hardship many young learners faces when trying to learn mathematics. The human brain has a limited capacity when trying to process information. The working memory can become overloaded when trying to process too much information, and as a consequence the learner tends to give up. Designers of flight simulators describes this capacity as the pilots brainbudget. By presenting only relevant information the workload for the users can be minimized. This paper aims to study the effect of color for the purpose reducing cognitive load, by answering the following question: Can the use of color improve the learning of mathematics? An experiment was conducted in Stockholm rural area involving 147 students, aged 12-16. Four colors were carefully selected to enhance the learning material and three methods were developed for the purpose of priming colors. In order to measure the effectiveness of color-coded learning material, a digital test tool was designed.  The tool measured various variables such as time, correct answer, attempted tries etc. This allowed a comparison between color coded and grey scaled learning material.  A control group did the math test in black&white and two experimental groups did the same test with color-coded material, however one of the experimental groups was primed prior to the experiment. After the test, the participants conducted a small survey and participated in interviews discussing their perception of the color enhanced instructions. Results showed that both signaling, and priming colors have major impact on the student’s ability to solve mathematical tasks. This indicate that color can be used to facilitate the learning process of mathematics, both in regard to accuracy and reduction of time.