Cognitive Load Theory Founder John Sweller Endorses Readable English

A Game-Changing Solution for Reading English

English is notoriously difficult to learn due to its inconsistent spelling rules and limited phonetic clarity. For decades, educators and researchers alike have struggled to find effective ways to simplify English reading instruction, without requiring a radical overhaul of the language itself.

John Sweller, Emeritus Professor of Education Psychology at the University of New South Wales, explains this challenge clearly in his official endorsement:

"Learning to read English is an exceptionally difficult task... The consequence is that a speaker who knows the pronunciation of a word will not necessarily know how to spell it and a reader who encounters a novel word can, at best, only guess at its pronunciation."

Why John Sweller Recommends Readable English

Professor Sweller initially believed that the English language was too flawed for a scalable reading solution. That changed when he discovered Readable English. Here's why he now describes our approach as "ingenious" and "transformative":

• Preserves traditional English spelling for continuity with expert readers

• Uses visual cues to clearly indicate silent letters and pronunciation rules

• Fully phonetic representation while maintaining exposure to standard spelling

• Reduces cognitive load during the learning process—aligning directly with Cognitive Load Theory

As Professor Sweller writes: 

"Those familiar with Cognitive Load Theory with its emphasis on reducing working memory load during learning will immediately see the benefits of the system... Based on theory and data, I can recommend Readable English in the strongest possible terms. It has the potential to transform the teaching of English."

Backed by Research. Designed for Results.

Sweller’s endorsement is more than opinion, it's grounded in evidence. Preliminary data shows that learners using Readable English not only acquire reading skills faster, but also transition more easily into mastering conventional English spelling and pronunciation.

This aligns directly with the core principle of Cognitive Load Theory: make learning easier by reducing unnecessary complexity.

Learn More

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or parent, the Readable English system offers a research-backed solution that simplifies the process of learning to read English—and has the endorsement of one of the world’s most respected educational theorists.

Explore our platform or book a demo to see how Readable English can work for your school or district.