Analyzing Junior High School Students' Cognitive Load in A Science Subject: A Case Study

This study examined the cognitive load experienced by junior high school students in science disciplines. This study used a survey methodology. The study utilized a questionnaire consisting of 15 items to assess three aspects of cognitive load: intrinsic cognitive load (ICL), extraneous cognitive load (ECL), and germane cognitive load (GCL), measured using a 5-point Likert scale. The study included 500 students from grades VII, VIII, and IX in junior high schools in West Java and DKI Jakarta, Indonesia. Data components ICL, ECL, and GCL in cognitive load instruments were processed in Microsoft Excel to calculate percentages, average scores, and scores. Statistical tests were conducted to compare cognitive load across different grade levels. The study revealed that the average scores for cognitive load components ICL (2.92) and ECL (2.83) exceeded that of GCL (2.73), indicating that students experience a high level of cognitive load while learning science. Differences in the cognitive load component were observed at each grade level. Grade 9 students encounter high ICL and ECL, while students in grades 7 and 8 suffer high ECL. These results validate the need to focus on learning design, particularly when presenting intricate scientific content. Emphasizing the reduction of cognitive load, particularly from the ECL factor, may be a way to enhance student performance and establish an optimal learning environment.