Since Wittrock's 1974 study on Generative Strategies, many studies have compared the effectiveness of supplying learners with instructional devices versus allowing learners to generate their own. Generally, the studies have found that learners perform better on comprehension and recall tests when they generate associations for themselves, rather than having them supplied. Some Practical Applications Elaboration can be used in at least six of Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction. To answer they'll have to focus their attention on the topic and thereby generate elaborations. This too requires elaboration, as does any activity that asks learners to describe, summarize or list.
Instructors can, of course, assist with guiding hints or questions.
An old concept could be compared to a new one. Learners then list similarities and differences between the two. Instructors, or instructional materials, may suggest that learners create mental images, create graphic organizers, or invent mnemonics. Comparisons and critiques also elicit elaborations. Error correction is an effective form of practice, provided the learner explains why the corrections are needed.