Showing (partially) worked-out examples is an effective way to teach students how to solve problems or acquire skills, especially with a complex subject or a topic that students know little about.Ā Complex subjects and a lack of prior knowledge cause a load on the working memory. Examples can reduce that cognitive load because students can first try to follow and explain the steps of the example before they have to make those steps themselves. It is precisely that explaining and understanding of the steps that is particularly effective. Students can, for example, try to explain why one example is better than another, or they can try to explain how an example came about step by step. Furthermore, examples ensure that students develop a sense of quality. By studying multiple examples, they understand what characterizes high-quality and less good products. Three important ways to provide examples are: 1. demonstrating yourself (modelling); 2. providing (partially) worked-out examples; 3. showing concrete examples from practice or the work of a fellow student. As students become more proficient in the subject or skill, you can gradually reduce the assistance. This is also known as 'scaffolding'. For more experienced students, worked-out examples have less impact on learning. You can better engage them with activating work forms. A common misconception is that showing (worked-out) examples will cause students to imitate them instead of thinking for themselves. But imitation is actually an important first step in learning processes.
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