Promoting Future Teachers' Pedagogical Knowledge: The Role of Self-Generated vs. Provided Illustrative Examples after Instruction

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Promoting Future Teachers' Pedagogical Knowledge: The Role of Self-Generated vs. Provided Illustrative Examples after Instruction
Language: English
Authors: Theresa Krause-Wichmann (ORCID 0000-0003-1345-0556), Eric Klopp, Lisa Stark, Robin Stark
Source: Instructional Science: An International Journal of the Learning Sciences. 2025 53(6):1691-1714.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 24
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Educational Theories, Teaching Methods, Student Developed Materials, Instructional Effectiveness, Student Attitudes
DOI: 10.1007/s11251-024-09694-4
ISSN: 0020-4277
1573-1952
Abstract: Illustrative examples demonstrate how abstract information can be applied in real-world. In the context of advancing evidence-informed teaching practice, the current intervention study investigated to what extent student teachers should be supported in learning educational theories and findings by different example-based approaches. Conducting a 1 × 3-factorial design, N = 105 student teachers were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: After a pre-test, all groups received the same learning instruction on the topic of cooperative learning. Then, (1) n = 35 students were prompted to generate own examples for the instructional text, (2) n = 35 students received examples along with the text, and (3) n = 35 students studied the text only, without any prompts or examples. In a post-questionnaire, it was retrospectively assessed how students perceived their learning control in engaging with the material; in a post-test, knowledge retention and knowledge transfer were measured. As assumed, findings revealed that generating examples enhanced perceived learning control and learning outcomes compared to studying provided examples. Students who learned with the instructional text only achieved lowest learning outcomes; but contrary to the expectations, these students perceived their learning control comparably high as those who generated examples. Mediation analyses indicated that for students who received illustrative examples or the instructional text only, a greater learning control perception was positively associated with knowledge retention, subsequently enhancing knowledge transfer. The study underscores the benefits of illustrative examples in teacher education, particularly when students engage in generating them. It suggests further examination of how and why example generation facilitates learning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1493478
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Illustrative examples demonstrate how abstract information can be applied in real-world. In the context of advancing evidence-informed teaching practice, the current intervention study investigated to what extent student teachers should be supported in learning educational theories and findings by different example-based approaches. Conducting a 1 × 3-factorial design, N = 105 student teachers were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: After a pre-test, all groups received the same learning instruction on the topic of cooperative learning. Then, (1) n = 35 students were prompted to generate own examples for the instructional text, (2) n = 35 students received examples along with the text, and (3) n = 35 students studied the text only, without any prompts or examples. In a post-questionnaire, it was retrospectively assessed how students perceived their learning control in engaging with the material; in a post-test, knowledge retention and knowledge transfer were measured. As assumed, findings revealed that generating examples enhanced perceived learning control and learning outcomes compared to studying provided examples. Students who learned with the instructional text only achieved lowest learning outcomes; but contrary to the expectations, these students perceived their learning control comparably high as those who generated examples. Mediation analyses indicated that for students who received illustrative examples or the instructional text only, a greater learning control perception was positively associated with knowledge retention, subsequently enhancing knowledge transfer. The study underscores the benefits of illustrative examples in teacher education, particularly when students engage in generating them. It suggests further examination of how and why example generation facilitates learning.
ISSN:0020-4277
1573-1952
DOI:10.1007/s11251-024-09694-4