A Study of Worked Examples for SQL Programming

Abstract

The paper focuses on a new type of interactive learning content for SQL programming - worked examples of SQL code. While worked examples are popular in learning programming, their application for learning SQL is limited. Using a novel tool for presenting interactive worked examples, Database Query Analyzer (DBQA), we performed a large-scale randomized controlled study assessing the value of worked examples as a new type of practice content in a database course. We report the results of the classroom study examining the usage and the impact of DBQA. Among other aspects, we explored the effect of textual step explanations provided by DBQA.