Understanding Elaboration Theory and Its Benefits for Learning & Instruction

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Charles Reigeluth develops Elaboration Theory in the late 1970s.

It proposes that instructional materials should be designed to progressively increase complexity, starting with simple concepts and gradually expanding into more complex ones.

This progressive structure fosters understanding through meaningful connections rather than memorization of facts.

Additionally, the theory states that learners should control how they interact with the training material, allowing them to learn at their own pace.

Let’s look at the five guidelines for elaboration theory and some examples of how it can be applied in practice.

The Five Guidelines

The five guidelines for elaboration theory are intended to help instructional designers create educational materials that use the principles outlined in Reigeluth’s work.

They are as follows.

1. Start Broad, Then Zoom in on Specifics

The idea here is to introduce broad concepts first, then break those concepts down into smaller parts as necessary.

Doing so makes it easier for learners to understand how all pieces fit together.

2. Sequence Information Based on Type

Different types of information, such as textual, visual, or auditory, should be sequenced in a way that makes sense from an educational standpoint.

For example, diagrams should be placed near relevant text or voice-over narration that explains the diagram.

This approach will enable learners to connect the visual diagram with the proper context.

3. Synthesize for Review Opportunities

Through the course, include cues and activities that will let learners review and practice what they’ve learned in the course.

Add such activities at regular intervals to let learners apply their knowledge to new scenarios or tasks.

Doing so helps them retain and apply new information more effectively over time.

4. Foster Understanding with Analogies

Using analogies is an effective way to help learners grasp abstract concepts more quickly by giving them something concrete to grasp when making sense of complex ideas or processes.

5. Give the Learner Control Over How They Interact With Material

Provide learners options regarding how they interact with the training material.

For example, allowing learners to choose between text-based instructions or video tutorials when learning how to use a particular software program or tool—so that they can learn in ways that best suit their individual needs and preferences.

Another example is letting learners navigate through a modular course freely without enforcing sequential completion of the different lessons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elaboration Theory provides instructional designers with helpful guidelines for creating educational materials that foster understanding rather than memorizing facts alone.

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