Elaboration Theory
Overview
Elaboration Theory (ET) of Instructional Design (ID) was introduced by Charles Reigeluth in the 1970s and is a cognitive-based theory whose central premise is that the organization of ID content be sequenced from the simplest chunks of meaningful knowledge to the most complex. Whether the learning be conceptual, procedural or theoretical, ET posits that the intentional organization into gradually more complex chunks will help to optimize learning goals. ET also argues that it is important for the learners to be able to make decisions during the learning process, and on which concepts or theories to elaborate.
Logically, broad and general concepts should be experienced first, followed by more and more complex ideas, building on or scaffolding onto the basic blocks of knowledge. Using such learning devices as analogies, motivators, summaries and syntheses, learners will be able to develop a solid understanding of the subject material. The three major approaches in Elaboration Theory include: Conceptual, and Simplifying Conditions Sequence (also called Procedural) and Theoretical.
Elaboration Theory (ET) of Instructional Design (ID) was introduced by Charles Reigeluth in the 1970s and is a cognitive-based theory whose central premise is that the organization of ID content be sequenced from the simplest chunks of meaningful knowledge to the most complex. Whether the learning be conceptual, procedural or theoretical, ET posits that the intentional organization into gradually more complex chunks will help to optimize learning goals. ET also argues that it is important for the learners to be able to make decisions during the learning process, and on which concepts or theories to elaborate.
Logically, broad and general concepts should be experienced first, followed by more and more complex ideas, building on or scaffolding onto the basic blocks of knowledge. Using such learning devices as analogies, motivators, summaries and syntheses, learners will be able to develop a solid understanding of the subject material. The three major approaches in Elaboration Theory include: Conceptual, and Simplifying Conditions Sequence (also called Procedural) and Theoretical.
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Guidelines for Use
Guideline 1 - Break the Task Down
Guideline 1 - Break the Task Down
- Whatever the learning task is, it is important to be able to break down every single component, step, or concept so that you can identify the most basic elements. When the basic elements have been broken down, then you can identify and develop the scaffolding needed to support the learner as they progress through more challenging stages and elaborate on the learning concepts.
- Using these kinds of activators will help learners to understand the content in a more meaningful way so that they can make connections between the content and real world situations.
- Within any online module, learners need to be able to control the pace and flow of the content. Providing a pause, rewind, replay function is a critical step. Also important is having a “help” function available so that the learner can get additional support as needed, and feel that they have control over their learning as it progresses through greater degrees of complexity.
Good Examples of Use
Example 1- Crickweb
Example 1- Crickweb
- Crickweb provides free, open educational resources and games related to language learning. This resource features segmented lesson plans presented in organized learning stages. As the user progresses through each step, the material gradually builds on the acquired knowledge. Helpful feedback is provided at each step. Because Elaboration Theory expressly identifies the value in logical, ordered sequencing of meaningful learning chunks, this Web-Based Learning Tool (WBLT) is a good match with this specific theory.
- Live & Learn is an online community for language learners in Manitoba that provides a series of videos and listening tasks designed to help improve newcomers’ English skills. Although it is based in Manitoba, the context of the videos is general enough to apply to the rest of Canada. Focused on real-world activities, such as understanding instructions and learning the skills needed in order to find employment, this WBLT demonstrates Elaboration Theory in that each learning chunk builds on the basic skills. Videos are followed by comprehension questions, and the learner is able to pause, or start the video again and learn at their own pace. The video series has six parts, each becoming gradually more challenging.
Helpful Resources
Resource 1 - In Search of a Better Way to Organize Instruction
Resource 1 - In Search of a Better Way to Organize Instruction
- This initial article outlines the basic ideas and utility of Elaboration Theory and is the primary article introducing the theory and outlining its suppositions and ideas.
- Reigeluth updates his theory in 1992, almost twenty years after his initial article was written. In this resource, he acknowledges the changes that have occurred since he first conceived the theory, and specifically addresses the critical review of his work by Brent Wilson and Peggy Cole.
- Critics of Elaboration Theory argue that Reigeluth’s method is too simplistic and reductionist and challenge the supposition that human thinking and learning is all the same and rule-based. This article outlines these and other potential problem areas in ET.
Research
- Clark, D. (2004). Reigeluth`s elaboration theory for instructional design. The Performance Juxtaposition Site.
- Elaboration Theory (Reigeluth). (n.d.). Elaboration Theory.
- Poppas, C. (2014, December 6). Instructional design models and theories: elaboration theory.
- Reigeluth, C., Merrill, M. D., Wilson, B., & Spiller, R. (1980). The elaboration theory of instruction: A model for sequencing and synthesizing instruction. Instructional Science, 9(3).