12 Study Techniques Supported by Educational Research

9. Worked Examples (Model Before Practice)

Worked examples show step-by-step solutions before students try similar problems. For novices, studied worked examples reduce cognitive load and help form a mental procedure. Start study sessions by reviewing one or two fully solved examples for a given problem type. Highlight each step and annotate why a move was made. Next, try a partially worked problem where you complete missing steps. Finally, transition to independent practice only after you can explain the procedure aloud. Teachers should fade worked examples over time so students practice applying methods independently. This sequencing—study, complete, practice—builds reliable problem schemas and reduces early errors that slow learning. Use worked examples especially when learning algorithmic skills, math procedures, or technical problem solving where clear steps matter.