Exercise

This article is about a technique used to guide learning; here, the effort is led primarily by the learner rather than the explainer, but the explainer creates the framework and input materials to guide the execution.
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Definition

In learning, an exercise is a task for a learner to perform (or attempt to perform) to facilitate learning. Exercises differ from worked examples in that exercises are meant to be done primarily by the learner, whereas worked examples are shown by the explainer to the learner and the learner simply follows along.

Other terms such as problem or practice problem or challenge or task may be used in place of exercise.

A collection of exercises that form a coherent unit (for instance, they together help facilitate learning of one particular topic) may be called an exercise set or problem set or exercises.

While the term exercise could refer to a very simple question with a one-word answer, we generally use the term prompt for such cases. Prompts may or may not be considered exercises, depending on the convention.

The term exercise is generally used when the goal is to facilitate learning, rather than to evaluate or assess the learner's performance. However, in some courses, the execution of exercises (such as in homeworks and class quizzes) may form a part of the course score. Moreover, the same questions (or kinds of questions) that are used in an exercise may also be used for an assessment.

Sources for exercises

Source of exercise	Execution contexts possible	Complementary exposition format
textbook	homework or self-assigned exercises	text exposition
class	homework or in-class desk work	in-class explainer exposition

Execution contexts

Exercises may be done in a variety of different execution contexts:

Execution context for exercise	More details
in-class desk work (such as class quiz)	Here, the exercise is part of work done as part of a class: synchronously and contiguously, with other learners doing the same or a similar exercise, at around the same time, and with an explainer (teacher) monitoring. This is common in practical classes such as science labs, music, or physical training.
homework	Here, the exercise is assigned by the explainer (instructor) for a course, and is to be done by the learner on his or her own time outside of the class time. Generally, learners submit homework and it is graded either by the explainer or by another human or automated grader.
self-assigned exercises when working through a textbook oneself	Here, the learner is working through a textbook that has exercises. The learner attempts the exercises on a topic after going through the exposition (and worked examples) associated with the topic.
exercises embedded within a video exposition	Here, a video exposition is punctuated by (usually interactive) exercises, where the explainer pauses and the learner has to answer a question or questions before proceeding.

Exercise formats

Note that the exercise formats aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

Exercise format	More details
prompt	This is characterized by a simple question and a simple, short answer that does not need a lot of thought for a learner who has achieved mastery. Depending on convention, prompts may or may not be considered exercises. Prompts may be used in contexts such as cold calling, polling, or quiz and recall.
multiple-choice question (MCQ)	This is characterized by a multiplicity of options from which the person answering the question must select one (or possibly more than one). MCQs are convenient for use in tools such as class quizzes and benefit from ease of scoring and evaluation, allowing for rapid feedback to evaluate one's learning.
error-spotting exercise	Here, the learner has to identify the error (or errors) in a text, video, or other object. Error-spotting exercises are great for diagnostic purposes at an advanced stage but harder for assessment.