What is Elaborative Interrogation and How Do I Use It?

❓ The Key Question

After a concept or fact reading, you might ask yourself, "Why is this the case?" or "How does it operate?" This will lead you to more profound processing.

🔗 Connect to Prior Knowledge

Find answers based on your knowledge. Relate new data to old data to form a clear, consolidated understanding.

📝 Implementation Steps

Identify main ideas, ask why/how questions for each one, support your answers with course material and your own knowledge, then talk about or write down the connections.

👥 Solo or Collaborative

Use it alone while studying or in pairs/groups. The collaborative discussion enhances the technique by creating different points of view and explanations.

🎯 When It Works Best

It is best for you if the prior knowledge you have is relevant and to connect. For new subjects use the questions whose answers are in the text.

⚡ Practice Regularly

Use it regularly in all subjects for the wider benefit of learning. Place questions in reading assignments, tests, and in-class discussions to get the greatest impact.