Enhancing Teaching Strategies through Cognitive Load Theory: Process vs. Product Worked Examples

Abstract

Based on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), learning by studying worked examples, that is, step-by-step solutions, has been shown to reduce cognitive load and enhance learning outcomes more than learning by solving conventional problems. Two types of worked examples that have been predominantly used in well-structured learning domains include product-oriented worked examples (ProductWEs) which provide strategic information and process-oriented worked examples (ProcessWEs) which provide strategic information and principled knowledge. However, less research has been conducted on worked examples’ effectiveness in ill-structured learning domains. In a study with 85 university students enrolled in teaching programs, we investigated whether ProcessWEs or ProductWEs better support identifying and applying knowledge regarding the quality teaching component of substantive communication. Participants completed tasks under three instructional conditions: ProcessWE, ProductWE, and conventional problem-solving. Results showed that ProcessWEs outperformed ProductWEs, ProductWEs outperformed conventional problem-solving, and conventional problem-solving had higher perceived task difficulty than the other two conditions. This study theoretically contributes to CLT research as it found that the use of ProcessWEs and ProductWEs is effective in an ill-structured learning domain and makes a practical contribution by showing what a ProductWE or ProcessWE in an ill-structured learning domain ‘looks like’.