What does elaboration involve in learning?

Elaboration in learning refers to the process of enhancing understanding and retention of information by creating detailed explanations and making connections between ideas. This technique encourages learners to integrate new information with what they already know, fostering deeper cognitive processing. By relating new concepts to prior knowledge or real-world applications, elaboration helps in forming more complex and meaningful mental representations, which enhance recall and transfer of knowledge.

This approach contrasts sharply with mere repetition, which emphasizes rote memorization without a true understanding of the material. Similarly, ignoring connections to personal experiences undermines the enriching aspect of elaboration since personal relevance often enhances memory and understanding. Focusing on isolated facts detracts from the interconnectedness of information that elaboration seeks to establish, making it difficult for learners to see the broader implications or relationships among concepts. Thus, the process of elaboration is central to effective learning strategies and outcomes.