Problem-solving before instruction (PS-I) designs, such as productive failure, have been shown to be effective for high school mathematics but have yet to be investigated for university mathematics courses.

In this session of lunch&LEARN, Vera Baumgartner, researcher at ETH’s Professorship for Learning Sciences and Higher Education presents the results of the implementation of such a PS-I design in the context of a linear algebra course for mechanical engineers.

Her findings reveal that including preparatory exercises for core linear algebra concepts in the course improved students' learning outcomes.