Six Evidence-Informed Tips on How to Optimize Learning from Instructional Videos

Abstract

<p>Learning from instructional video (IV) is popular for people of all ages and at all educational levels. The effects of studying IVs on learning outcomes have traditionally been examined by two main research traditions. Research inspired by social-cognitive theories has focused mostly on the effects of video modelling examples, which are how-to demonstration videos in which a person shows how to complete a task or solve a problem. Research inspired by cognitive theories has predominantly examined the effects of other types of videos, such as short videos explaining a concept or longer recordings of lectures. In this chapter, we synthesize the findings from both research lines and provide six evidence-informed tips that can help educators and educational content developers decide how to design their IVs and how to support IV learning. Based on the available evidence, we suggest to (1) only present information relevant to learning, (2) provide cues to direct attention, (3) segment and pause (longer) videos, (4) show the presenter of the video on the screen, (5) show a demonstration from a first-person perspective, and (6) encourage generative learning activities. The chapter concludes with a discussion that details several suggestions for future IV research.</p>