Jeroen van MerriÃ«nboer

Jeroen van Merri&euml;nboer (b.1959, The Netherlands)
Using computers to improve design processes and manage cognitive load

Where did he get his PhD?

 * At the University of Twente (1990), PhD supervisor Sanne Dijkstra.

Where has he taught / worked?

 * 1977 – 1983 Several short-term appointments as teaching assistant and research assistant, Free University of Amsterdam, Dept. of Experimental Psychology
 * 1983 – 1984 Junior Researcher, Free University of Amsterdam, Dept. of Experimental Psychology
 * 1984 – 1987 Junior Researcher, University of Twente, Dept. of Instructional Technology
 * 1987 – 1991 Assistant Professor, University of Twente, Dept. of Instructional Technology
 * 1988 – 1995 Project supervisor and owner of Bijlstra & Van Merri&euml;nboer – Training Consultancy and Development
 * 1991 – 1997 Associate professor of Instructional Technology, University of Twente, Dept. of Instructional Technology
 * 1997 – 1998 Associate professor of Educational Psychology, University of Maastricht, Dept. of Cognitive Psychology
 * 1998 - Present Full professor of Educational Technology, Open University of the Netherlands, Educational Technology Expertise Center
 * '''Visiting Professorships
 * 1995 University of Barcelona, Department of Educational Psychology
 * 2003-2004 University of New South Wales, School of Education

What is he best known for?

 * 4C/ID model
 * Cognitive Load Theory

What are his three most important publications?

 * Three recent journal articles
 * Van Merri&euml;nboer, J. J. G., & Sweller, J. (2005). Cognitive load theory and complex learning: Recent developments and future directions. Educational Psychology Review, 17, 147-177.
 * Van Merri&euml;nboer, J. J. G., Kirschner, P. A., & Kester, L. (2003). Taking the load of a learners' mind: Instructional design for complex learning. Educational Psychologist, 38(1), 5-13.
 * Van Merri&euml;nboer, J. J. G., Clark, R. E., & de Croock, M. B. M. (2002). Blueprints for complex learning: The 4C/ID-model. Educational Technology, Research and Development, 50(2), 39-64.


 * A recent influential book (1999 Outstanding Book-of-the-Year Award, AECT)
 * Van Merri&euml;nboer, J. J. G. (1997). Training complex cognitive skills: A four-component instructional design model for technical training. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.

Who are his most frequent collaborators?

 * Fred Paas and Paul Kirschner in the Netherlands
 * Richard Clark and John Sweller internationally
 * Many more over the years

Who are his main philosophical rivals (if any)?
Anyone who limits themselves to only one philosophy, no matter which philosophy this is, since he is an eclecticist in his approach.

What (in)famous / apocryphal stories exist about him?
People who are supposed to meet him or pick him up from the airport often have difficulties finding him because for some reason they expect an old man.

Photographs


Van Merri&euml;nboer (middle) with colleagues and friends Fred Paas and Paul Kirschner