Enhancing learning in a virtual world using highly elaborative reminiscing as a reflective tool. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicholas, Michelle; Van Bergen, Penny; Richards, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Learning and instruction. Volume 36(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Episodic memory -- Elaborative reminiscing -- Reflection -- Virtual world -- Experiential learning; Learning -- Periodicals; Teaching -- Periodicals; Apprentissage -- Périodiques; Enseignement -- Périodiques; Learning; Teaching; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 370.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.learninstruc.2014.12.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4752

Abstract

Abstract: While virtual worlds are increasingly being used to provide technology-assisted experiential learning opportunities, no research has yet considered the use of reflective reminiscing within these worlds. Drawing on a strong body of developmental research, in which children's recall for past experiences is enhanced by parents' "high elaborative" reminiscing (open-ended questions, detail), we tested each element of this reminiscing style with adult learners. Ninety-eight undergraduate students were guided through a virtual event, a reflective reminiscing phase, and a memory test (free recall, multiple-choice). In free recall, a questioning main effect emerged. Students who had been asked open- versus close-ended questions during reminiscing deliberated for longer, and subsequently recalled more. When reminiscing time was controlled, those given high detail instead recalled more. In the multiple-choice test, an interaction emerged. Participants scored higher if given both open-ended questions and high detail during reminiscing. We suggest that reminiscing be employed as a reflective tool to enhance learning within virtual worlds, but only if a high-elaborative reminiscing style is used. Highlights: Virtual worlds are increasingly used to provide students experiential learning opportunities. We test the impact of reflective reminiscing on students' recall of a virtual world. Open-ended questions encouraged longer reminiscing and stronger free recall. High detail and open-ended questions together enhanced multiple-choice performance. "High elaborative" reminiscing (open-ended questions, detail) should be encouraged.