The Effect of Self-Explanataion Prompts and Fading Steps in Worked-out Examples on Students Fraction Problems Performance

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that worked-out examples are considered as an alternative approach for students who don't have prior knowledge of a task or initial acquisition in domains like mathematics. Worked-out examples involve the presentation of a problem and its solution. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relative effects of four different types of worked-out examples (worked-out examples, worked-out examples with self-explanation prompts, fading worked-out examples without self-explanation prompts and fading worked-out examples with self-explanation prompts) on novice students' math performance on fraction problems. The study group consisted of 67 students that were selected among 215 sixth grade students from a public school. According to the results of this study, the use of self-explanation prompts in combination with backward fading worked-out examples fosters learning in both transfer and follow-up studies. Backward fading worked-out 40 Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Zeynep Çiğdem ÖZCAN examples using self-explanation prompts can be easily implemented and is compatible with ordinary framework conditions in schools with very simple means such as worksheets or homework.

Evaluating the Impact of the WEI4S Instructional Approach on Middle School Students’ Algebraic Problem-Solving Skills

“…These examples can be classified into distinct types, each of which serves a specific purpose in enhancing comprehension. For example, whereas traditional worked-out examples offer step-by-step solutions to problems, providing learners with a clear model to follow, faded worked-out examples (backward or forward) gradually reduce the level of guidance, thus enabling students to transition from guided problemsolving to independent mastery, as recommended in the literature [37][38][39][40][41]. Worked-out examples that include self-explanation incorporate questions that encourage learners to articulate the reasoning behind each step, which promotes metacognitive awareness.…”

“…Worked-out examples that include self-explanation incorporate questions that encourage learners to articulate the reasoning behind each step, which promotes metacognitive awareness. Correct and incorrect worked-out examples [40,42] juxtapose correct and incorrect solutions, which aids in the identification of common misconceptions. These diverse types of worked-out examples cater to learners' varying needs and cognitive capacities, offering an array of strategies to enhance their problem-solving skills and understanding of complex concepts.…”