GENERATIVE LEARNING


Summaries and activities based on the book "Generative Learning in Action' by Zoe & Mark Enser, based on  Fiorell & Mayer's research.


STRATEGY

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

POSITIVE RESEARCH CASES

EFFECT SIZE

TEACHING

Teach others about previously studied material.

BEST: When studying material that students KNOW they will be teaching later- and so reflect on their own understanding, as well as answering peers’ deep questions.

17/19

0.77

IMAGINING

Form internal images to illustrate the content of a lesson.

BEST: When students have experience of the content.

16/22

0.65

MAPPING

Convert a text lesson into a spatial arrangement of connected key words.

BEST FOR: Novices, low knowledge base, young age.

23/25

0.62

SELF-TESTING

Test one’s self on previously studied content by answering practice questions.

BEST: When receiving corrective feedback following practice testing in free- recall or cued recall format. LESS EFFECTIVE : When demanding only recognition (MCQ)

44/47

0.62

SELF-EXPLAINING

Explain the content of a learning episode by elaborating on the content covered.

BEST: When studying diagrams and conceptual materials, for novices, and with focussed prompts.

44/54

0.61

ENACTING

Engage in task relevant movements during learning.

BEST: Students already have a relatively high knowledge base, as well as receiving guidance and practice. (Mainly younger children)

36/44

0.51

SUMMARISING

Restate the main ideas of a learning episode in ones own words.

BEST: Summary skills are directly taught

LEAST EFFECTIVE: For content with complex spatial relations

26/30

0.5

DRAWING

Create a drawing to illustrate the content of a lesson.

BEST: When drawing skills are directly taught, lessening cognitive load by providing partially drawn illustrations to complete.

25/28

0.4