A worked-example is a pedagogical technique in which a step-by-step solution to a problem is presented to learners before they attempt similar problems independently. The construct reduces extraneous cognitive load by externalizing expert problem-solving procedures, allowing novices to encode domain-specific schemas. Parameters: (1) it must show a complete solution, not just the answer; (2) it must be paired with practice problems; (3) it is most effective for novices and diminishes with expertise (the expertise reversal effect). Persistence mechanism: encoded through instructional materials, curriculum design, and teaching practice. [formal: exemplum | substrate: behavior | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
worked-example
A worked-example is a pedagogical technique in which a step-by-step solution to a problem is presented to learners before they attempt similar problems independently. The construct reduces extraneous cognitive load by externalizing expert…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A worked-example is a human-made pedagogical construct: a step-by-step solved problem presented by an instructor or textbook to demonstrate the procedure for solving a class of problems. It is designed to reduce cognitive load on learners by externalizing expert problem-solving steps, allowing novices to encode solution schemas without the burden of search. Built to persist through textbooks, instructional software, and teaching practice.
Names and aliases
- worked-exampleen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrf51qwi005rcqqtmpyziy84DEPENDS_ON →
A worked example is a pedagogical artifact showing a solved problem step by step. It constitutively depends on memory: the learner must hold the example's steps in working memory and connect them to prior knowledge in long-term memory. Remove memory and worked examples cease to function as learning tools.
- cmrhajc2b015x8aehc613gx7cSERVES →
worked-example SERVES learning: Worked examples are instructional problems that are fully solved and presented to learners specifically to facilitate their understanding. The designed purpose of worked examples is to support learning by reducing cognitive load during problem-solving practice. Law 8d: the test is for-whose-sake — worked examples point at learning as their designed purpose. Without the learning purpose, the technique would not exist in its current pedagogical form.
- cmrmrg41e01j2d1nl3o3mmclcINSTANCE_OF →
A worked example (presenting solved problems step-by-step) is a specific kind of scaffolding — it provides temporary support (a solved model) that is gradually removed as the learner gains competence. Direction specific→general correct. Nearest kind: scaffolding. A competent speaker would call a worked example 'a type of scaffolding.'
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Record identity
- Created
- Jul 18, 2026, 12:39 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 39ba00eb1f8c1f476bbbdadc12d983b46d24bf096a98d508763182fbd72cd6b9