Keeping a learning log where students paraphrase their lessons is beneficial primarily because it asks them to:

The idea behind keeping a learning log where students paraphrase their lessons centers on the process of elaboration, which is a critical cognitive strategy in learning. When students paraphrase, they are not merely repeating what they have learned; instead, they are actively engaging with the material and processing it in their own words. This cognitive engagement encourages deeper understanding, as students must analyze the lesson content and contextualize it with their own thoughts and experiences.

By elaborating on new ideas, students can make connections between different pieces of information, integrate new knowledge with existing understanding, and clarify concepts that may be unfamiliar. This process enhances retention and comprehension, which is fundamental in developing critical thinking skills. Furthermore, paraphrasing helps students identify gaps in their understanding and promotes self-directed learning, as they are encouraged to review and refine their insights about the material.

In contrast, while reflecting on previous knowledge and preparing for exams are valuable, they do not specifically capture the essence of engagement with new content that paraphrasing promotes. Following a structured outline may assist with organization but doesn’t encourage the depth of processing that elaboration provides. Therefore, the focus on elaboration reflects the primary benefit of using a learning log to paraphrase lessons.