What does elaborative rehearsal involve?

Elaborative rehearsal involves making connections with known information. This technique enhances understanding and retention of new material by integrating it into existing cognitive frameworks. When individuals connect new information to their prior knowledge or personal experiences, they create a richer, more meaningful context for the material. This process helps facilitate deeper learning, as it encourages active engagement with the content, leading to improved recall and comprehension. For instance, if a student learns about a new concept in science, related it to a real-world application or a previously learned topic can significantly enhance their grasp of the subject. This strategy contrasts with rote memorization, which relies primarily on repetition without establishing meaningful associations.