13 - Worked Example Principle #1: Fade from Worked Examples to Problems

Brief Definition

Worked examples are instructions that lead the user through a series of steps showing exactly how to find a solution. Clark and Mayer (2011) suggest that while these straightforward, piece by piece instructions are helpful to users, it is even more helpful when the user is required to interact at each step leading the user to eventually work the problem on their own.

An Artifact

CoolMath4Kids has great tutorials on elementary math concepts such as the one featured here, Fractions: Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Whole and Mixed Numbers. While the instructor does offer simple, clear instructions and multiple examples leading to problems for the learner to try, there is no fading. Instead, the learner is expected to work the problem and then scroll over the problem to see the detailed answer. For this beginning level of fractions study, the more phased approach found in Worked Example Principle #1 would have been helpful. 

References

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.