Definition
Self-explanation is the practice of explaining to yourself, step by step, why a problem or concept works the way it does.
Why it matters
Self-explanation surfaces hidden gaps in understanding, generates inferences, and links new material to existing knowledge in the moment.
Scientific basis
Studies of self-explanation in mathematics and science show that learners who explain examples to themselves outperform those who simply re-read them.
How to apply it
- Work through a worked example, then close it and explain each step in your own words.
- When solving a new problem, narrate aloud or in writing what you are doing and why.
- Compare your self-explanation with the official one and reconcile differences.
Common mistakes
- Skipping self-explanation because the steps seem obvious.
- Treating parroting the steps as self-explanation.
- Failing to ask 'why' at each step.
Examples
- Reading a worked physics solution and explaining in writing why each equation is applied.
- After watching a tutorial video, narrating how you would apply the same technique to a fresh problem.
Related concepts
- Elaboration (is an instance of)
Self-explanation is elaboration applied during problem solving. - Deep Processing (complements)
Self-explanation forces deep processing in real time.
Where it shows up
Domains: math-and-science, programming, student-learning. Appears in the Metacognition & Self-Regulation cluster alongside 5 other concepts.
Source books
- Make It Stick: Brown, Roediger & McDaniel
Articles that use this concept (5)
- The Single Most Useful Question to Ask While Learning: self explanation learning
- Self-Explanation: The Quiet Habit That Doubles Recall: self explanation
- Build a Personal Definition of a Topic: self explanation definition
- Use the Feynman Technique Without Posters: feynman technique
- Run a Study Group That Builds Depth: study group depth