Elaboration in Meaningful Learning

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Elaboration in Meaningful Learning

• By
• Joni Langley

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What is Meaningful Learning?

• One of five processes that a person may use when
  storing declarative information into long-term
  memory
• Rehearsal
• Meaningful learning
• Organization
• Elaboration
• Visual imagery

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Textbook Definition

• The process of meaningful learning involves
  recognizing a relationship between new
  information and something else already store in
  long-term memory.

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Application of Meaningful Learning

• The student has a meaningful learning set.
• An attitude that one can make sense of the
  information one is studying.
• The student has previous knowledge to which the
  new information can be related.
• Meaningful learning can occur only when long-term
  memory contains a relevant knowledge base
  information to which a new idea can be connected
• The student is aware that previously learned
  information is related to new information.
• Connecting learning events rather than
  remembering bits and pieces
• More effective

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Implications For Teachers

• Support older students in using more effective
  storage methods whenever possible.
• Encourage students to relate new information to
  things they already know.
• Communicate the belief that students can and
  should make sense of the things they study.

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Implications For Teachers

• Find out whether students have sufficient
  knowledge to understand the new topics pretest
  or ask questions informally in class.
• Remind students of things they know that have a
  direct bearing on classroom material.
• Teachers need to create learning situations where
  students can build their own knowledge rather
  than having students sit and listen to the
  teachers lectures.

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Works Cited

• Cooper, James, and Kevin Ryan. Those Who
  Can,Teach. BostonHoughton Mifflin Company, 2004.
• Ormrod, Jeanne Ellis. Educational psychology
  Developing Learners 3rd Edition.Columbus
  Merrill, 2000.
• Class Discussions. Adapted from Strategic
  Teaching and Reading Project Guidebook. 1995.
  North Central Regional Educational Laboratory.
  February 10, 2004. (http//www.Meaniful
  Learning\Class Discussions.html)