George Mason University Generative Learning Generative learning is a theory that involves the active integration of new ideas with the learner's existing schemata. Cognitive research has shown that learners immersed in generative learning environments generate subproblems, subgoals, and strategies for achieving a larger task. Strategies from these four areas can be used alone or in conjunction with one another to achieve a learning goal. Recall involves the learner pulling information from long term memory. The goal of recall is to learn fact-based information.
Integration involves the learner to integrating new knowledge with prior knowledge.
The goal of integration is transform information into a more easily remembered form. Elaboration involves the connection of new material to information or ideas already in the learner's mind. Elaboration methods include generation of mental images or physical diagrams, free writing, sentence elaboration, visual displays, slides, and bulletin boards.