Evidence for Learning: FAME tool for worked examples

FAME tool for worked examples

The FAME tool provides an evidence informed approach for maximising the effectiveness of worked examples.
Author
E4L
E4L

The FAME tool provides an evidence informed approach for maximising the effectiveness of worked examples. Developed to support E4L’s Guidance Report on Improving secondary science, it is also relevant to mathematics and other subject areas. 

Supporting resource •1 minute •

Worked examples are a form of modelling, providing students with a step-by-step demonstration of a given task, such as tackling a complex problem in science. They can support learning by reducing the burden on students’ working memory, increasing the likelihood that they will be able to remember the strategy and tackle future problems.

There are a few simple strategies that can be used to help optimise the effectiveness of worked examples, which can be remembered using the handy acronym FAME.

  • Fading describes the process of gradually reducing and removing elements of full worked examples.
  • Alternating worked examples with opportunities for students to complete a similar problem. 
  • Mistakes can provide further challenge but need to be used with care to avoid reinforcing errors or misconceptions. 
  • Explanation by the teacher of their approach throughout a worked example via a ​‘think aloud’ process. 
Improving secondary science FAME

Download the FAME tool below for more detail. The accompanying planning template can be used to plan an approach to worked examples using FAME. 

Worked examples using FAME tool

The FAME approach outlines a few simple strategies that can be used to maximise the effectiveness of worked examples.Uploaded:  • 98.6 KB - pdf
Download resource Worked examples using FAME tool

For further detail on the FAME tool, see the Improving secondary science Guidance Report. 

For related evidence and supporting resources, see the Guidance for Educators below.