What distinguishes labeled rehearsal from maintenance rehearsal?

Labeled rehearsal is distinguished from maintenance rehearsal primarily because it involves associating new information with existing knowledge. This technique allows the learner to create meaningful connections between new and previously learned concepts, thereby enhancing understanding and facilitating easier retrieval of information later. By connecting new information to what is already known, labeled rehearsal taps into deeper processing, which supports better memory retention.

In contrast, maintenance rehearsal typically focuses on the simple repetition of information without considering its meaning or connections to existing knowledge. This form of rehearsal may keep information active in short-term memory but is less effective for promoting long-term retention compared to techniques that involve deeper cognitive processing, like labeled rehearsal.

Overall, the distinction lies in the depth of processing—labeled rehearsal emphasizes meaningful associations, while maintenance rehearsal prioritizes rote memorization.