Learn Letter 147: How to Use Self-Explanation in Your Learning; Future of Schools, Imagined by Students
September 26, 2024
Hi Learners,
Have you ever been stuck on a concept, and then suddenly, as you try to explain it to someone else, it all makes sense?
That's the magic of self-explanation — a technique that can improve how you understand and retain information.
What Is Self-Explanation?
Self-explanation is the process of explaining concepts, ideas, or problem-solving steps to yourself as you learn. Rather than passively reading or listening to information, you actively try to make sense of it by putting it into your own words and connecting it to your existing knowledge.
Why does it work? There are four key reasons.
1) Build Deeper Understanding: Connecting new ideas with what you already know creates a more coherent mental model.
2) Spot Knowledge Gaps: When you can’t explain something clearly, it shows you where to dig deeper.
3) Engage Actively: Instead of passively absorbing info, you’re actively wrestling with it.
4) Transfer Knowledge Better: When you grasp the “why,” you’re more equipped to apply it in different contexts.
How to Use Self-Explanation in Your Learning
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a step-by-step guide to incorporating self-explanation into your learning process:
Ask Questions as You Learn
When you come across a new concept, pause and ask yourself questions like:Why does this work?
How is this related to what I already know?
What does this remind me of? This forces you to engage deeply with the material and identify connections.