Elaboration theory

Draft

Definition

Elaboration theory helps users “select and sequence content in a way that will optimize the attainment of learning goals” Reigeluth (1999a:426) quoted by Wiley (2000:37)

The model

According to Wilson and Cole (1992), Elaboration Theory's basic strategies can be summarized as follows:

1. Organizing structure: conceptual, procedural, or theoretical
2. Simple-to-complex sequence of lessons
3. Within-lesson squencing:
   • For conceptually organized instruction "present the easiest, most familiar organizing concepts first"
   • For procedures, "present the steps in order of their performance"
   • For theoretically organized instruction, move from the simple to the complex.
4. Summarizers: Content reviews at both lesson and unit levels
5. Synthesizers, e.g. diagrams that help the learner integrate contents elements into a meaninful whole.
6. Analogies: relate the content to learner's prior knowledge.
7. Cognitive strategy activators: cues that can trigger cognitive strategies for appropriate processing of materials.
8. Learner control: allow learners to exercise informed control over both content and instructional strategy.

References

• Charles M. Reigeluth (1992). Elaborating the elaboration theory, Educational Technology Research and Development, Volume 40, Issue 3, Pages 80 - 86, DOI 10.1007/BF02296844, PDF (Access restricted).

• Reigeluth, C. M. (1999a). The elaboration theory: Guidance for scope and sequence decisions. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional design theories and models: A new paradigm of instructional theory. (pp. 5-29). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

• Reigeluth, C. M. (1999b). What is instructional design theory and how is it changing? In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional design theories and models: A new paradigm of instructional theory. (pp. 5-29). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

• Wiley David A. (2000). Learning object design and sequencing theory, PDF dissertation, Brigham Young University, PDF

• Wilson, B., & Cole, P. (1992). A critical review of elaboration theory. Educational Technology Research and Development, 40(3), 63-79. PDF (Access restricted)