Ever feel like your instructional design is missing that special something that makes learning truly stick? The answer might lie in the way you're structuring your content. In this episode, we explore Elaboration Theory—a powerful approach developed by Charles Reigeluth that transforms how we sequence learning experiences.
Whether you're designing for a classroom, workplace training, or online learning, this episode provides actionable strategies to implement right away. As Reigeluth himself noted, "Instruction should be elaborated in a way that makes the relationships among ideas explicit and accessible." Join us as we explore how to guide learners on a journey of discovery through thoughtfully structured content that builds naturally from simple to complex. Your instructional design toolkit isn't complete without understanding this game-changing approach!
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Episode Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Designing with
Love podcast.
I am your host, Jackie Pelegrin, where my goal is to bring you
information, tips, and tricks asan instructional designer.
Hello, GCU students, alumni,and fellow educators, welcome to
episode 61 of the Designingwith Love podcast.
(00:22):
Today, we're diving into atheory that's all about layering
knowledge in a way that reallysticks.
It's called elaboration theoryand trust me, it's a game
changer for designing engagingand effective learning
experiences.
So grab a coffee, a notebook,and get cozy while we explore
what makes this theory anessential tool for your ID
(00:45):
toolkit.
So what exactly is elaborationtheory?
It was developed by CharlesRigeluth in the 1970s and it
focuses on how to sequencecontent to support meaningful
learning, rather than dumping abunch of information on learners
all at once.
Elaboration theory suggests westart with the simplest and most
(01:07):
general ideas what Rigeluthcalled an epitome and then
elaborate on that foundationwith increasing levels of detail
and complexity.
Think of it like building ahouse you don't start with the
roof.
You begin with the blueprintand foundation and then add
walls with the roof.
You begin with the blueprintand foundation and then add
walls, windows and, yes,eventually the roof.
(01:27):
All right, so let's say you'redesigning a course on digital
photography.
You'd begin with a broadoverview of photography basics
what makes a good photo, theexposure triangle and camera
types.
That's your epitome.
Then, in the next module, youdive into aperture, iso and
(01:47):
shutter speed individually, eachin more detail.
From there you'd move intoadvanced topics like lighting
techniques, composition rulesand post-processing.
By layering the content likethis, learners don't get
overwhelmed and they're morelikely to understand how each
piece fits into the biggerpicture.
(02:08):
Here are three reasonselaboration theory is so
effective.
It manages cognitive load.
Learners aren't bombarded withcomplex ideas right away.
They ease into the material.
It promotes meaningful learningNew knowledge is always
connected to what's already beenintroduced.
And, finally, it boostsretention.
(02:29):
Revisiting and elaborating onearlier ideas helps lock them
into long-term memory.
So, as you probably noticed,there's a theme here with
different theories that helpmake the elaboration theory so
effective.
Cognitive load and connectivismRagaluth also emphasized using
summaries and synthesizers.
(02:51):
Think of them as tools that helplearners connect the dots, such
as concept maps, reflectionprompts, even short quizzes or
discussions at the end of eachmodule can serve this purpose.
And don't forget learnercontrol.
Each module can serve thispurpose, and don't forget
learner control.
When possible, let yourlearners choose their path or
revisit earlier content.
It supports autonomy andengagement.
(03:13):
Before we wrap up, let's talkabout how you can actually
implement elaboration theory inyour next instructional design
project.
Here's a practical example.
Let's say you're designing acourse for new managers on
leadership communication.
Start with the epitome.
Begin with a big picture moduleon what effective leadership
(03:33):
communication looks like.
Highlight key themes likeactive listening, clarity and
feedback.
Layer in the details Insubsequent modules.
Elaborate on each theme.
Perhaps one module focusesentirely on listening skills,
another on how to give feedbackand another on nonverbal cues.
Use synthesis activities.
(03:55):
After each detailed module, asklearners to reflect on how that
concept connects to what theylearned previously.
This could be a journal entry,group discussion or role play
scenario.
And finally, encourage learnercontrol.
Offer a flexible modulestructure so learners can
revisit earlier concepts as theydig deeper.
(04:18):
So here's your Designing withLove.
Call to action.
Pick one course or lessonyou're working on right now.
Identify the simplest, mostfoundational concept in that
course your epitome.
Then sketch out two to threelayers you could build on top of
it.
Finally, ask yourself whatdetails or complexities would
(04:41):
naturally flow from this,whether you're designing for a
classroom, workplace training oran online course.
Elaboration theory reminds usthat learners thrive when
instruction unfolds like awell-written story starting
simple and building with purposefolds like a well-written story
starting simple and buildingwith purpose.
(05:01):
I hope you have found thisinformation about elaboration
theory helpful as you designlearning experiences that are
meaningful and leads tolong-term results.
If you enjoyed this episode, besure to follow the show and
share it with your fellowdesigners, educators and
lifelong learners, and if youwould like some visual tools to
help you effectively implementelaboration theory, check out
(05:22):
the link in the episode notes.
To wrap up today's episode,here's an inspiring quote from
Charles Regaluth himselfInstruction should be elaborated
in a way that makes therelationships among ideas
explicit and accessible.
When we help learners see howknowledge connects and grows,
(05:43):
we're not just teaching, we'reguiding a journey of discovery.
Thank you for taking some timeto listen to this podcast
episode today.
Your support means the world tome.
If you'd like to help keep thepodcast going, you can share it
with a friend or colleague,leave a heartfelt review or
offer a monetary contribution.
Every act of support, big orsmall, makes a difference and
(06:06):
I'm truly thankful for you.
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