Implementing example-based learning and teaching in the context of vocational school education in business administration

Starting from problems of knowledge application in the context of vocational school training in business administration, an instructional approach based on worked-out examples was developed. The effectiveness of additional instructional measures (e.g. an elaboration training) was investigated experimentally. Together with teachers, the approach was adapted to conditions of regular book-keeping lessons at vocational school; then it was implemented and evaluated in practice. The positive results of the first evaluation study in which applicable knowledge was fostered were replicated in additional evaluation studies in which some aspects of the approach were optimised. The main results of the evaluation studies underline the effectiveness of example-based learning and teaching. Furthermore they show that this approach can be transferred successfully to vocational school lessons. In the general discussion, recommendations for further improving and successfully implementing example-based lessons are given.