What effect can working through example problems have on a student's confidence?

Working through example problems is a powerful way to build a student's confidence. When students engage with various problems, they develop a deeper understanding of the material and enhance their problem-solving skills. This practice allows them to encounter different scenarios and learn through trial and error, which can lead to mastery of the subject.

As students successfully work through examples, they experience a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing their ability to tackle similar problems in the future. Each solved problem adds to their toolkit of knowledge and skills, creating a positive feedback loop where confidence grows with competence. This is particularly important in learning environments like the Navy IFS Stage I, where practical application and hands-on experience are crucial for success.

In contrast to the other options, which suggest that mistakes decrease confidence, have no effect, or are relevant only for high-achieving students, the consistent engagement with example problems shows that experience and familiarity bolster student confidence. This evidence clearly aligns with well-established educational principles on the benefits of practice and active learning.