Worked Example Priniciple 3: Include Instructional Explanation of Worked Examples in Some Situations

Clark and Mayer (2011) on page 234 of our textbook recommend adding instructional explanations to worked examples. Research indicates that this is important when conceptual understanding is the immediate goal of the instruction. This can be especially valuable in lessons regarding mathematics.

Source: Kahn Academy- GMAT Preparation: Math 1

In the video above, Mr. Kahn is verbally demonstrating how to reason through a word problem while making written notation about his line of reasoning. He is modeling what should become the student's thought processes. The goal is conceptual understanding. He is providing scaffolding for the student, so the student will develop the ability and confidence to think through and solve similar problems on the GMAT standardized test. This is a good example of Worked Example Principle 3.



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: Pfeiffer.