Does an Outline of Contents Promote Learning from Videos? A Study on Learning Performance and Engagement

It is well known that outlines can help learners establish a conceptual framework that connects new knowledge with prior knowledge, and thus promote learning. However, it is unclear whether outlines are beneficial before learning from watching an educational video. We tested the effects of two goal setting strategies on learning from a video lecture. Learners (N = 87) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: read an instructor-generated outline before the video (n = 29); read the same outline, and based on it, generate their own outline of the key ideas before the video (n = 29); control group (n = 29). The study was conducted in an eye-tracking laboratory. Learners in the instructor-generated outline group reported higher learning engagement than those in the control group. Learners in the reading and generating outline group paid greater attention to the learning materials, and had higher learning performance scores, than those in the control group. The two strategy groups did not differ from each other on learning engagement or learning performance. The findings suggest that: To improve learning, instructors should ask learners to read an instructor-generated outline, and to generate their own outline based on the instructor's outline, before viewing the video lecture.