Editing Multiple Representation Principle (section)

== Challenges or Alternative Theories ==
Although multiple representation can be an effective learning method, it may also generate negative effects on learners. First, information can be redundant if the elements of multiple representation are too many.  Ainsworth(2014) points out that “students with weaker underlying knowledge did not always benefit from the constraining opportunities the representations provided”. Students may get confused or distracted from multiple information resources. The proficiency of students varies. Therefore, when designing the course content, teachers need to consider the capacity of learners instead of cramming all the materials into the class. Second, Ainsworth (2014) finds that “learners develop a deeper understanding of a domain when they do not simply interpret multiple representations but construct them for themselves”. This argument provides new thoughts about how to modify the multiple representation principle. Compared with letting learners interpret the information, it is more significant to let learners construct the multiple representational information.