Difference between revisions of "Worked examples"
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Step-by-step solutions to problems presented in textual, graphical, or video format. Worked examples sometimes provide explanations of each step and sometimes withhold them so as to encourage student [[self-explanation]]. | Step-by-step solutions to problems presented in textual, graphical, or video format. Worked examples sometimes provide explanations of each step and sometimes withhold them so as to encourage student [[self-explanation]]. | ||
| − | + | An worked example is a problem plus the [[step]]s leading up to its solution. For instance, if the problem is "Solve 12+2*x=15 for x" then one worked example is: | |
| + | In order to solve 12+2*x=15 for x, we write | ||
| + | ; 2*x = 15-12 | ||
| + | ; 2*x = 3 | ||
| + | ; x = 3/2 | ||
| + | ; x = 1.5 | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are 4 steps in this solution. | ||
| + | |||
| + | A large body of literature, much due to John Sweller and his [[cognitive load]] theory, has investigated the benefits of interleaving worked examples with problem-solving practice. Such interleaving seems to provide a good balance of [[assistance]] between assistance-giving examples and assistance-withholding problems. | ||
| + | |||
| + | For illustrative studies see the [[Does learning from worked-out examples improve tutored problem solving? | Renkl et al. study]] of faded worked-out examples in geometry and the [[Stoichiometry_Study | McLaren et al. study]] of interleaved worked examples in Chemistry. A number of other studies involving manipulations in the distribution of, presentation of, or supporting instruction around worked examples can be found in the [[Coordinative Learning]] and [[Interactive Communication]] clusters. | ||
[[Category:Glossary]] | [[Category:Glossary]] | ||
[[Category:Independent Variables]] | [[Category:Independent Variables]] | ||
[[Category:Coordinative Learning]] | [[Category:Coordinative Learning]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Interactive Communication]] | ||
[[Category:PSLC General]] | [[Category:PSLC General]] | ||
Revision as of 15:58, 10 April 2007
Step-by-step solutions to problems presented in textual, graphical, or video format. Worked examples sometimes provide explanations of each step and sometimes withhold them so as to encourage student self-explanation.
An worked example is a problem plus the steps leading up to its solution. For instance, if the problem is "Solve 12+2*x=15 for x" then one worked example is:
In order to solve 12+2*x=15 for x, we write
- 2*x = 15-12
- 2*x = 3
- x = 3/2
- x = 1.5
There are 4 steps in this solution.
A large body of literature, much due to John Sweller and his cognitive load theory, has investigated the benefits of interleaving worked examples with problem-solving practice. Such interleaving seems to provide a good balance of assistance between assistance-giving examples and assistance-withholding problems.
For illustrative studies see the Renkl et al. study of faded worked-out examples in geometry and the McLaren et al. study of interleaved worked examples in Chemistry. A number of other studies involving manipulations in the distribution of, presentation of, or supporting instruction around worked examples can be found in the Coordinative Learning and Interactive Communication clusters.
