Unbounded working memory assumption in explanations

The unbounded working memory assumption in explanations refers to the fact that many explanations assume that the reader has unbounded working memory, i.e. that the reader can effortlessly remember everything that came earlier in the explanation. Such explanations are easier to write for the explainer (since the explainer has already internalized all of the concepts and subtleties, hence sees no need to "manage working memory") and are also conceptually "cleaner" (since it exposes the conceptual outline of the topic without having to deal with the details of human psychology). However, such explanations are also more difficult to understand since working memory is in fact limited.

one way to understand it is that someone has to manage working memory constraints. When the explainer does not manage it, it forces the burden onto the learner.

this might be one mechanism for illusion of transparency

Most explanations assume reader will manage wm constraints so they do not explicitly track wm. This leads to "cleaner" explanations that are harder to understand.

Techniques for managing working memory:

• summarizing at appropriate intervals in the text
• adding exercises to slow down the reader/force them to internalize something better
• something like Quantum Country or Orbit where flashcards are embedded in the text, forcing certain terms/facts to be memorized.

See also

• Managing micro-movements in learning