Evaluating the Efficacy of Peer-Created Worked-Example Videos in a Computer Systems Course

Date

2024-04

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges

Abstract

Worked examples are an educational tool widely used in introductory computer science classes, primarily for programming and code-tracing concepts. Prior research supports the use of worked examples as a scaffolding mechanism to help students build a solid foundation before tackling problems on their own. Whether breaking down the intricacies of code or explaining abstract theoretical concepts, worked examples offer a structured approach that nurtures a deeper understanding during self-study. This study explores how peer-created worked examples, shown through detailed step-by-step videos, aid student learning in an intermediate-level computer science course, namely computer systems.

Our results suggest that worked-example videos are a useful study aid for intermediate computer science courses, such as computer systems. Students who watched the worked-example videos found them to be very helpful, and ranked them as the top study aid for succeeding on quizzes. Additionally, students with access to worked-example videos performed moderately better on quizzes compared to students without worked-example videos. Our results and experiences also suggest that worked-example videos are beneficial to the students who created them as well as their peers who use them.

Description

https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.5555/3665609.3665615

Keywords

computer science education, worked example videos

Citation

Grace Kim, Dylan Green, and Suzanne J. Matthews. 2024. Evaluating the Efficacy of Peer-Created Worked-Example Videos in a Computer Systems Course. Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, 39, 8 (April 2024), 83–97.