Self-explanation is a powerful study technique that encourages learners to articulate their understanding of a topic. By explaining concepts in their own words, students can deepen their comprehension and improve retention. Here are three practical examples of self-explanation that you can easily incorporate into your study routine.
Imagine you’re preparing for a biology exam on cell structure. You decide to review the material by explaining it to a friend who isn’t familiar with the topic. This method is beneficial because it forces you to clarify your thoughts and fill in gaps in your understanding.
You start by discussing the cell membrane, explaining that it acts as a barrier that controls what enters and exits the cell. You break down the functions of various organelles, like the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) and the nucleus (which houses DNA). As you explain, you realize you don’t quite remember the role of ribosomes, prompting you to revisit your notes.
This approach not only reinforces your knowledge but also highlights areas where you need further study.
While revising for a history test, you decide to create a concept map for the American Civil War. This visual tool helps you organize your knowledge and see connections between events, causes, and effects. As you draw your map, you explain each point in detail.
You start with the main event in the center (the Civil War) and branch out to significant causes like slavery, economic differences, and states’ rights. For each cause, you write a brief explanation: “Slavery was a contentious issue that divided the North and South, leading to tension.”
As you work through the map, you verbalize your thought process, explaining why each event is significant and how they relate to each other. This self-explanation helps you reinforce your understanding and recall of the material when you study later.
You’re studying for a math exam and have just gone through a chapter on quadratic equations. To solidify your understanding, you write a summary of the chapter in your own words, explaining key concepts like the quadratic formula, factoring, and graphing.
You start by stating, “A quadratic equation is any equation that can be rearranged in the form ax² + bx + c = 0.” Then, you explain how to use the quadratic formula to find the roots: “To solve, I can use x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a.” As you summarize each section, you articulate the rationale behind the methods, such as why factoring might be easier in some cases than using the formula.
This method not only helps you understand how to apply the concepts but also serves as a handy reference for revision.
By incorporating these examples of self-explanation as a study method, you’ll enhance your learning experience, making it more engaging and effective. Remember, the key is to articulate your understanding clearly, whether it’s through teaching, mapping, or summarizing.