Cognitive load in cognitive psychology and pedagogy is considered as one of the main factors influencing the effectiveness of learning. Teaching strategies that do not take into account learners' cognitive load may interfere with learners' perception, memory, processing and use of information and reduce the quality of learning outcomes. Therefore, in the context of educational activities, it seems relevant to apply basic ideas of the cognitive load theory to pedagogical design, as well as to develop recommendations for teachers and students. The aim of this article is to conceptualize the notion of cognitive load in the context of the teaching and learning process, as well as systematize recommendations for managing the cognitive load of students in three aspects: management of intrinsic cognitive load, reduction of extraneous cognitive load, activation of germane cognitive load.