Evidence-based advice to help you choose the best videos for your teaching

By Fraser Scott2023-03-21T08:03:00

A cartoon of a man subscribing to different science video channels

Source: © Sorbetto/Getty Images

Select the perfect multimedia resources to reduce cognitive load and boost learning with these top tips

Multimedia resources are a key component of any teacher’s toolkit. But, how do you ensure you are using the best ones? A new study uses Mayer’s multimedia principles to evaluate and rate a range of instructional chemistry YouTube videos. You might find it surprising that some of the most popular content for education is not always the most appropriate. Use the tips and advice in this article to avoid the cognitive load pitfalls of using the wrong kinds of video content in class, and rather select multimedia that effectively supports learning.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.