Explanation Builder

What it looks like

People who use this approach learn by putting steps into their own words. They talk through a problem out loud, or write a short note next to each line of work. They also explain why a wrong answer that looks right does not work. Saying why a step fails is often how they find out what they understand.

One habit to try

Pick one problem you got right this week. Under each step, write one plain sentence that says why the step works. Then find the most tempting wrong move and write why it fails. If you get stuck on a sentence, that is the part to review. Explaining steps to yourself is a study habit with some research behind it (Dunlosky and colleagues, 2013).

Where it can trip you up

Smooth words can hide a wrong step. An explanation that sounds clear can still be wrong, and it is easy to talk yourself past a mistake. Try your explanation on a new example. If it still works there, good. If it does not, the gap is now easy to see and fix.

If this is not your top approach

Try one step today. After you solve a problem, say out loud why one step works. Keep it to one sentence. You can do this alone, in your head, or with a friend. Plain words are enough. If the sentence is hard to say, you just found the step worth a second look.

How it works with others

• Explanation Builder and Model Maker: Sketch the idea, then talk through each arrow.
• Explanation Builder and Evidence Tracker: Line up the support, then explain how it leads to the claim.
• Explanation Builder and Team Synthesizer: Explain a step to a friend, then let them explain one back.

Also pairs with Pattern Scout, Experiment Pilot, Route Planner, Transfer Navigator.