Comparing Examples: WebAssign versus Textbook

Research shows students can learn from worked examples.$^{1}$ This pilot study compared two groups of students' performance (10 each) in solving physics problems. One group had access to interactive examples$^{2 }$released in WebAssign$^{3}$, while the other group had access to the counterpart textbook examples. Verbal data from students in problem solving sessions was collected using a think aloud protocol$^{4}$ and the data was analyzed using Chi's procedures.$^{5}$ An explanation of the methodology and results will be presented. Future phases of this pilot study based upon these results will also be discussed. $^{1}$Atkinson, R.K., Derry, S.J., Renkl A., Wortham, D. (2000). ``Learning from Examples: Instructional Principles from the Worked Examples Research'', \textit{Review of Educational Research}, vol. 70, n. 2, pp. 181-214. $^{2}$Serway, R.A. {\&} Faughn, J.S. (2006). \textit{College Physics} (7$^{th}$ ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole. $^{3}$ see www.webassign.net $^{4}$ Ericsson, K.A. {\&} Simon, H.A. (1984). \textit{Protocol Analysis: Verbal Reports as Data. } Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press. $^{5}$ Chi, Michelene T.H. (1997). ``Quantifying Qualitative Analyses of Verbal Data: A Practical Guide,'' \textit{The Journal of the Learning Sciences}, vol. 6, n. 3, pp. 271-315.