A Framework for Learning From Erroneous Examples and Meta-Analysis of Empirical Research

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

While there is ample theoretical and empirical evidence detailing which conditions benefit learning from one's own errors, the evidence on learning from others' errors has not yet been synthesized. In this meta-analysis, we examine the overall impact of erroneous examples on learning and the effects of potential moderating variables based on a novel framework. Following the robust variance estimation method, we synthesized findings from 42 papers (177 effect sizes) comparing erroneous examples with correct examples or problem-solving in experimental studies. The results revealed a statistically significant but weak effect of erroneous examples on learning (g = .136). Further analysis indicated a statistically significant moderating effect of the design of error-explanation activities. Specifically, providing self-explanation prompts or instructional explanations enhanced learning from erroneous examples more than not providing any error explanations. Our findings draw attention to the design of error explanation activities as well as several areas for future research.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages41
JournalReview of Educational Research
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 20 Nov 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105022302721
ORCID /0000-0002-4280-6534/work/204616273

Keywords

Keywords

  • Erroneous example, Instructional design/development, Instructional practices, Instructional support, Learning from errors, Learning from failure, Learning processes/strategies, Meta-analysis, Worked example, worked example, instructional practices, erroneous example, meta-analysis, instructional support, learning from failure, learning from errors, instructional design/development, learning processes/strategies