CLT is a theoretical model indicating how we process information, not how it is stored. There is long term memory, which stores it schemata (knowledge), and wor

CLT is a theoretical model indicating how we process information, not how it is stored. There is long term memory, which stores it schemata (knowledge), and working memory, where schemata are retrieved from long term memory and processed. Working memory, however, has a finite capacity, resulting in mental effort (cognitive load) being required for processing and maintaining schema. The latency/delay in retrieving and processing schemata (or lack thereof) is labeled as "expertise". CLT is primarily used to study the mental effort in processing things like worked examples and problem solving. This is where the idea of having random pictures on PowerPoint slides is seen as bad. However, all of our current theoretical models on memory hold the premise that our capacity is infinite, as we are able to recall memories and information from decades prior (think about minuscule knowledges like walking). There is a "forgetting curve" model as well that supports the idea to spaced repetition as a method of reducing the latency of retrieving schemata from long term memory. Further, we identify diseases like Alzheimer's, dementia, etc as diseases as one of their trademark symptoms is the loss of mental ability. Is this forgetfulness due to losing scheme from long term memory or an inability to appropriately retrieve/process schemata? Regardless, as I mentioned in my previous comment, if our capacity is infinite, then our only limitations are time and motivation. Adults, unlike children, need to be motivated beyond "because mommy and daddy said so" in order to allocate time to practice. I think this is why "full immersion training" when learning a language is so powerful - regardless of motivation, you have allocated MUCH more time to "practice". Adults that move to another country and are willing to learn will have an easier time learning than someone that doesn't move but wants to learn or someone that does move but doesn't try to learn. The last bit would be people willing to "teach" novice adults. This is another issue all together, but could still be framed as a time and motivation problem.