TY - JOUR
T1 - Elaboration during problem-based group discussion: Effects on recall for high and low ability students
AU - Van Blankenstein, Floris M.
AU - Dolmans, Diana H. J. M.
AU - Van der Vleuten, Cees P. M.
AU - Schmidt, Henk G.
PY - 2013/10
Y1 - 2013/10
N2 - Although elaboration has been investigated frequently, there is little evidence for the beneficial effect of elaboration in problem-based learning. A controlled experiment tested the effect of elaboration during problem-based discussion on recall. Sixty-seven students observed a video-recorded, problem-based discussion. In one experimental condition, a tutor in the video encouraged participants to elaborate by asking elaborative questions. In a second condition, the tutor asked superficial questions. After the discussion, all participants studied a text with relevant new information. Elaborative questions had no significant effect on recall of idea units from the text, p = .39, eta(2) = .01. High-ability students outperformed low-ability students, p = .04, eta(2) = .07, but this effect did not interact with the experimental treatment, p = .22, eta(2) = .02. Suggestions for further research are presented.
AB - Although elaboration has been investigated frequently, there is little evidence for the beneficial effect of elaboration in problem-based learning. A controlled experiment tested the effect of elaboration during problem-based discussion on recall. Sixty-seven students observed a video-recorded, problem-based discussion. In one experimental condition, a tutor in the video encouraged participants to elaborate by asking elaborative questions. In a second condition, the tutor asked superficial questions. After the discussion, all participants studied a text with relevant new information. Elaborative questions had no significant effect on recall of idea units from the text, p = .39, eta(2) = .01. High-ability students outperformed low-ability students, p = .04, eta(2) = .07, but this effect did not interact with the experimental treatment, p = .22, eta(2) = .02. Suggestions for further research are presented.
KW - Problem-based learning
KW - Collaborative learning
KW - Tutoring
KW - Elaboration
KW - Recall
KW - Higher Education
U2 - 10.1007/s10459-012-9406-8
DO - 10.1007/s10459-012-9406-8
M3 - Article
C2 - 23053865
SN - 1382-4996
VL - 18
SP - 659
EP - 672
JO - Advances in Health Sciences Education
JF - Advances in Health Sciences Education
IS - 4
ER -