Teaching and tutoring
Build a worked example learners can follow
Choose a problem that fits the lesson objective and show the reason beside each step. Include a way to check the result and another valid approach if one exists. Match the explanation to what learners already know, spelling out any new notation they will need.
A text to start with
The skill is [skill] for [learner group], who already know [starting knowledge]. Write a worked example for this problem: [problem]. Present each step on its own line with the reason it is allowed. Add a final check that tests the answer, and describe one alternative approach if one exists. Flag steps that need extra explanation and say why, without guessing how often learners make each mistake.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Worked example template
Skill: [ ] Problem: [ ] Knowledge learners already have: [ ] Step 1: [ ] Reason: [ ] Step 2: [ ] Reason: [ ] Step 3: [ ] Reason: [ ] Step 4: [ ] Reason: [ ] Add further steps as needed. Final answer: [ ] Check that tests the answer: [ ] Alternative approach: [ ] Step that needs extra explanation, and why: [ ] Word or symbol not yet introduced: [ ] Matching practice problem: [ ]
Skipped reasoning and hidden errors
Solve the problem yourself without looking at the draft, then compare. Look for steps that combine two operations, and decide whether the jump needs an explanation. Check that every reason names a rule or idea your learners have already met, not one you plan to teach later. Confirm the final check would catch a wrong answer. If an alternative approach is offered, verify that it reaches the same result. Read the example as a learner with only the stated starting knowledge and mark any word or symbol that has not been introduced.
Ask another agent to check the result
Solve the example independently first, then compare each step with the draft. Flag any step that skips reasoning, uses an idea learners have not met, or combines two operations. Confirm the final check would reveal a wrong answer.
Turn the example into practice
Remove the reasons from a copy and ask a learner or colleague to supply them. Where they hesitate, add detail to the original. Then write a matching problem with different numbers or context for learners to try with partial support. Keep the original available so learners can compare their own steps against it.