Cognitive Load Theory suggests that learners can absorb and retain information effectively only if it is provided in such a way that it does not “overload” their mental capacity. In other words, our short term memory, or working memory, can only retain a certain amount of information simultaneously (rather than an infinite supply of data). The more information that is delivered at once, the more likely that the students will not actually learn what is being taught nor will they be able to call upon that information for later use.The Cognitive Load Theory states that each person has a mental “schema”, which is a series of structures that enable us to solve problems and think (for more info check Instructional Design Models and Theories: Schema Theory). It also allows us to look at several different elements within a lesson or experience and treat those elements as just one whole element. In other words, it is what forms our knowledge base. According to this theory, there is a key distinction between an apprentice and a master, which is the fact that the apprentice has not built up or developed the schema that the master has.