The worked-example-effect is a pedagogical learning technique in which novices study fully solved problems (worked examples) before attempting unsolved problems independently. Parameters: (1) the solved exemplar must include complete solution steps with explanatory commentary, (2) the learner must be in early stages of skill acquisition where schema construction is the primary goal, (3) the domain must have a structured solution space amenable to decomposition. Persistence mechanism: institutionalized through curriculum design, instructional textbooks, and teacher training programs — reproduced across generations of educational practice. [formal: effectus exempli soluti | substrate: behavior | horizon: hours | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.64]
Accepted ontology entry
worked-example-effect
The worked-example-effect is a pedagogical learning technique in which novices study fully solved problems (worked examples) before attempting unsolved problems independently. Parameters: (1) the solved exemplar must include complete solut…
Definition
Why it is in scope
The worked-example-effect is a human-made pedagogical technique — a structured learning protocol where novices study solved problems before attempting them independently. It is an institutionalized instructional method developed through educational research, designed to reduce cognitive load and build schemas in expertise development. Built to persist through teaching practices and curriculum design.
Names and aliases
- worked-example-effecten · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrhajc2b015x8aehc613gx7cDEPENDS_ON →
The worked-example-effect operates through learning processes — novices study solved exemplars to build schemas. Remove learning and the technique has nothing to act upon; it ceases to function. The dependency is present-tense and constitutive.
- cmrp6q9nx06fnd1nltfl5g8zfDEPENDS_ON →
The worked-example-effect functions by managing cognitive load in novices during skill acquisition. The entire technique is designed to prevent cognitive overload. Remove cognitive load and the effect has no mechanism to operate upon. Present-tense constitutive dependency.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 18, 2026, 8:21 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 63a34e9246a0c625b82c273466fa2c70bcf764c7ea341b4564d433a3a93a8532