A closely matched worked example can make a forgotten method visible. Use it for a short time only. The aim is for the young person to see how the method works and then do the next one alone.

Compare before copying

Place a completed school example beside the homework question. Ask the young person:

• Which features make these questions the same type?

• What is each step doing?

• Why does this step add, subtract, multiply or divide?

• Where is an error most likely?

Let them complete the matching step in the new problem and explain it. You don’t need to know the method yourself. Asking them to talk you through the example is enough. If the questions differ in an important way, find a better example rather than forcing the same procedure.

Step back gradually

Move through three stages:

1. full worked example;

2. some steps covered;

3. example removed.

Bring the example back briefly if a specific error recurs. Do not leave it open for an entire homework set or accept copied steps that the young person cannot explain.

If they still cannot choose or follow the method, tell the teacher which step breaks down. More questions will not fix an unclear procedure.