What role does elaborative rehearsal play in memory retention for students?

Elaborative rehearsal plays a crucial role in memory retention for students by facilitating the detailed processing of information. This technique involves linking new information to existing knowledge, which enhances understanding and retention. When students engage in elaborative rehearsal, they create meaningful connections between concepts, making the information more relatable and easier to recall.

By deepening the processing of material rather than simply repeating it (as in rote memorization), students are more likely to encode the information into long-term memory. This process not only supports better recall during exams but also encourages higher-level thinking and comprehension of the subject matter, leading to a more profound and lasting grasp of the content.