Example-Based Learning with Multiple Solution Methods: Effects on Learning Processes and Learning Outcomes

Many mathematical problems can be solved by different so-lution methods. A previous study showed that learning with multiple solutions fosters learning outcomes. However, the number of solution methods and the number of representa-tional codes were confounded. In order to separate the effects of learning with multiple solution methods from those result-ing from learning with multiple representations, the present experiment was conducted. The participants (N = 53) learned to solve probability problems in one of three groups (multiple solution methods with multiple representations vs. multiple solution methods sharing one representation vs. uniform solu-tion method). The superiority of learning with multiple solu-tions could not be replicated; however, the results show that learning with multiple solutions which share one representa-tion is more effective than learning with multiple solutions and multiple representations. Differences in the learning processes are described and discussed