Worked Example Principle #3
Worked Example Principle #3 says we should "include instructional
explanations of worked examples in some situations" (Clark & Mayer, 2011, p. 234). In some cases, it could be redundant in a bad way. It could be distracting in some cases. However, at the right, I have shown a screenshot from a MathPlanet lesson on geometric sequences of numbers where instructional explanations work. A learner may go to MathPlanet.com if tasked with a middle-school or high-school math problem with which they are hazy on the procedure for solving. A visitor to this site is likely new to a topic, so instructional explanations of a geometric sequence of numbers, as well as explanations of the parts of a formula, would be helpful in this situation. |
Worked Example Principle #4
Worked Example Principle #4 says we should "apply multimedia
principles to examples" (Clark & Mayer, 2011, p. 235). To adhere to the Multimedia Principle, we learned earlier in the course that we must use text and visuals, not text alone. When using images, we must make sure that they are relevant to the instruction at hand and that they help to illustrate and organize the content being delivered. To the right, the teacher who completed this worked example is ensuring that he uses the visual literacy element of color to organize parallel sides, call attention to the fact that segments parallel to sides total the parallel side, and to coordinate the measurements with the appropriate sides/line segments. |
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.
Math Planet (n.d.). Geometric sequences of numbers. Retrieved from http://www.mathplanet.com/education/pre-algebra/more-about-the-four-rules-of-arithmetic/geometric-sequences-of-numbers
Rappaport, J. (2010 September 20). Using color to show perimeter [Web log comment]. Retrieved from https://mathchat.me/2010/09/20/using-color-to-show-perimeter/