Cognitive load management and creativity enhancement in writing: A review

Writing is a productive language skill, and it is a very challenging skill for second language learners to master. On the other hand, cognitive load is an aspect of cognitive process, which may affect learners during instructions, if instructional materials and strategies are not effectively designed. For meaningful learning to occur and creativity to be enhanced, cognitive load should be effectively managed. This should occur in any instructions including writing classes. Instructors, therefore, should consider appropriate management of cognitive load for the enhancement of creativity and augmentation of writing performance especially for ESL learners. Existing studies have revealed the beneficial association between creativity enhancement and cognitive load management in assisting ESL learners to write more fluently. This paper reports a systematic literature review analyzing the association between cognitive load management and creativity enhancement on learners’ writing performance. 574 journal articles were analysed and narrowed down to 14 pertinent empirical evidence. A comprehensive review and synthesis indicate a constructive association between the control of cognitive load and development of creative abilities on ESL learners’ writing. Findings suggest that many significant issues in learners’ writing and writing instructions have been addressed and should be addressed. The findings highlight various instructional strategies including the use of technology, scaffolding, reflection and teacher training, which have been applied across educational levels can effectively balance cognitive load and foster creativity in writing tasks and writing performance.