Worked Examples
Overview
Analyzing and discussing solutions to problems helps students develop a deeper understanding of Problem Solving processes and Numeracy skills. Worked problems reduce the cognitive load for learners, as they do not have to solve the problems themselves but can instead focus their Attention on understanding and comparing different solution methods. Alternating between practice problems (interleaving) and worked examples can help learners monitor their thinking when solving problems, building Metacognition.
Use It In Your Learning Environment
Instructors can have small groups examine teacher or peer-created worked examples, supporting Numeracy skills and other Problem Solving processes as learners compare and contrast different approaches and solutions. When instructors have adults explain the problem to themselves and look at the efficiency of different approaches, they learn to intentionally use more efficient strategies. Having learners examine incomplete or even incorrect problems can also encourage critical thinking and develop Reasoning skills. Adult learners with low prior knowledge who struggle with learning math can benefit most from reflecting on highlighted errors within an incorrect worked examples intervention.
Videos are an excellent way to provide worked examples for adults learning new workplace skills and those in academic settings. Products can easily integrate such worked example videos (WEVs) into their instructional roadmap, supporting deeper conceptual development. When interacting with the WEVs, adult learners can take advantage of video controls to tailor and self-pace their learning which fosters a Learner Mindset. Developers can also provide banks of solved problems and tools for creating and sharing incomplete or solved problems with scaffolded hints within the control of the learner. Products can also provide audio recording features, so learners can record their thinking about a problem and share it with peers and instructors.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
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When learners process and express information visually, they are activating more cognitive processes while Problem Solving.
When preparing for and executing a debate, learners analyze, form, and express verbal arguments, fostering their critical thinking skills, an essential component of Problem Solving.
Debriefing is the intentional discussion immediately following a learning experience which is especially important after simulation-based learning.
Analyzing errors is especially beneficial in helping learners develop a Learner Mindset and critical thinking skills, which are a component of Problem Solving.
Networking and supporting adult learners in expanding their social networks provide access to additional resources and Social Supports, which can impact their trajectory and Motivation.
Experiential learning is learning by doing, which may include self-directed learning activities.
Giving learners the opportunity to explain their thinking process aloud helps them to solidify their comprehension, and move knowledge into their Long-term Memory.
Game-based learning is an active learning experience with clear objectives and measurable outcomes designed to be intrinsically game-like.
Inquiry-based learning is centered around open-ended questions posed by instructors and/or the learners themselves and fosters a Learner Mindset.
For adults, the Composition process can become more robust when learners can express ideas through multiple media, which includes visual, audio, and digital production.
Effective note-taking during lectures or reading directs learners' Attention to the relevant information, helping them identify key concepts, understand links between ideas and retain information better in their Long-term Memory.
The opportunity to observe peers or experts in action or participate in shadowing can provide a unique and authentic learning experience that often involves questioning, metacognitive thinking, and Problem Solving while providing Social Supports.
When learners provide constructive feedback on each other's work, they reflect on their own understanding, learn to give relevant suggestions, receive specific ways to improve, and engage in Metacognition.
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a learner-centered multidisciplinary approach focused on real world applications using active learning methods.
Simulations and immersive virtual environments provide authentic learning at a level that can spark curiosity and deeper understanding by engaging multiple senses in exploration.
Skills sprints are focused, real world learning experiences for teams in which participants learn new skills while directly designing, developing, or delivering something to their organization.
Analyzing short video clips, replays of important aspects, and videos of oneself applying what has been learned can improve Metacognition and Long-term Memory while fostering a Learner Mindset.
