for the ones learning by teaching out loud
Goal
Teach a concept aloud, surface the gaps, re-learn only the gaps, then re-teach.
Source principle
Elaboration combined with retrieval: explaining in your own words exposes gaps, and re-explaining after filling them deepens retrieval. : from Make It Stick by Brown, Roediger & McDaniel.
The plan
- 🎯0:00-0:05Pick one concept you 'mostly understand'. One only.
- 🪑0:05-0:10Set up an empty chair. Open a blank page for gap notes.
- 🗣️0:10-0:15Explain the concept aloud to the chair for 5 min. No notes, no pauses.
- 🚩0:15-0:20Mark every spot you hedged, mumbled, or stalled. Those are the gaps.
- 📖0:20-0:45Study ONLY those gap spots for 25 min. Targeted re-learning.
- 📕0:45-0:50Close the source. Sit back at the chair. Fresh start.
- 🎤0:50-0:55Re-explain from scratch for 5 min. Same concept, fresh words.
- 📊0:55-1:00Rate: does it hold together now? Mark yes / partly / no.
- 📅1:00-1:30If yes, retire it. If no, schedule tomorrow's loop on the same concept.