Self-explain

pagelearnconverge

Explain to yourself why each step of given material follows.

Variants

• default
• Complete the later steps yourself (for beginners)
• Ask why each fact is true

Data fields

The fields a spec's page can set for this component (see switchback show self-explain --json):

• steps
• fade_from

Grounding

Helps: when working through stepwise material you are learning: prompts to explain why each step follows improve learning across a range of conditions, though evidence for transfer, for classroom use and for retention after a delay is thinner

Backfires: when the material already comes fully explained: given explanations crowded out learners' own and lowered learning, while making them feel they had learned more

• BPrompting learners to explain to themselves why each step of given material follows improves understanding and transfer, compared with studying the same material without such prompts.Bisra et al. (2018), Schworm & Renkl (2006), Chi et al. (1989), Dunlosky et al. (2013)
• CFor novices, studying worked examples whose final steps are progressively removed (completion problems) improves learning compared with unaided problem solving. The advantage shrinks or reverses as expertise grows.Renkl et al. (2002), Kalyuga et al. (2003)
• CPrompting learners to answer "why is this true?" for stated facts improves recall of those facts compared with reading them.Dunlosky et al. (2013)

What the grades mean