This theory suggests that learning happens best under conditions that are aligned with human cognitive architecture.

[1]

The structure of human cognitive architecture, while not known precisely, is discernible through the results of experimental research. Recognizing George Miller’s information processing research showing that short term memory is limited in the number of elements it can contain simultaneously, Sweller builds a theory that treats schemas, or combinations of elements, as the cognitive structures that make up an individual’s knowledge base. (Sweller, 1988) [2]

For details, read Sweller’s 1994 article.

The following video offers a 4-minute introduction to cognitive load theory discussing attention, processing, and schema development.