Self-explanation is a metacognitive learning strategy where learners generate explanations to themselves about the material they are studying. Rather than passively consuming information, students actively construct meaning by explaining concepts, relationships, and processes in their own words.

The Science Behind Self-Explanation

Self-explanation was first identified as a distinct learning strategy by researcher Michelene Chi in the 1980s. While studying how students learn physics, Chi noticed that students who spontaneously explained concepts to themselves while solving problems showed better understanding and learning outcomes.

This technique works by:

  • Forcing learners to identify gaps in their understanding
  • Helping integrate new information with existing knowledge
  • Promoting the construction of mental models
  • Encouraging deeper processing of information
  • Improving metacognitive monitoring

How Self-Explanation Works

The Process:

  1. Identify key concepts - Determine what you need to understand
  2. Generate explanations - Explain the material in your own words
  3. Connect ideas - Relate new information to what you already know
  4. Question understanding - Ask yourself "why" and "how" questions
  5. Address gaps - Identify what you don't understand and seek clarification
  6. Revise explanations - Update your understanding as you learn more

Types of Self-Explanations

Self-explanations can take various forms:

  • Principle-based explanations - Connecting specific examples to general principles
  • Goal-oriented explanations - Explaining why certain procedures or steps are taken
  • Analogical explanations - Using familiar concepts to understand new information
  • Visual explanations - Creating diagrams or mental images to explain concepts
  • Procedural explanations - Explaining how a process works step-by-step

Benefits of Self-Explanation

Deeper Understanding

Promotes conceptual understanding rather than surface-level memorization

Better Retention

Information processed deeply is remembered longer

Transfer of Knowledge

Helps apply concepts to new situations and problems

Metacognitive Awareness

Increases awareness of what you do and don't understand

Examples of Self-Explanation in Different Subjects

Mathematics

Problem: Solving a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula

Self-explanation: "I'm using the quadratic formula because this is a second-degree polynomial equation. The formula works by completing the square for any quadratic in the form ax² + bx + c = 0. For this problem, a=2, b=-7, and c=3. I substitute these values into the formula x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)]/2a. The discriminant b² - 4ac tells me how many solutions exist - if it's positive, there are two real solutions."

Biology

Concept: Cellular respiration

Self-explanation: "Cellular respiration is how cells convert glucose into energy in the form of ATP. It starts with glycolysis in the cytoplasm, which breaks glucose into pyruvate and produces a small amount of ATP. Then, if oxygen is present, pyruvate enters the mitochondria for the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain, which produce much more ATP. This process is essentially the opposite of photosynthesis, as it consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide."

Implementing Self-Explanation in Your Study Routine

  • Pause regularly while reading or watching educational content to explain key points
  • Explain examples in textbooks before reading the provided explanation
  • Think aloud when solving problems
  • Write explanatory notes instead of simply copying information
  • Create concept maps that explain relationships between ideas
  • Teach concepts to others (or pretend to teach)
  • Record yourself explaining difficult concepts

Prompts to Guide Self-Explanation

Effective self-explanation can be triggered using these prompts:

  • "How does this work?"
  • "Why does this make sense?"
  • "How does this relate to what I already know?"
  • "What would happen if...?"
  • "How would I explain this to someone else?"
  • "What are the underlying principles here?"
  • "How does this connect to the bigger picture?"

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Pitfall Solution
Superficial explanations Use deeper prompts and ask "why" multiple times
Explaining only what you already understand Deliberately focus on challenging concepts
Reinforcing misconceptions Check explanations against reliable sources
Time constraints Focus on key concepts rather than explaining everything
Difficulty getting started Begin with structured prompts and gradually become more independent

Conclusion

Self-explanation is a powerful, evidence-based learning strategy that promotes deep understanding by encouraging learners to actively process information. By implementing self-explanation in your study routine, you can transform passive learning into an active construction of knowledge, leading to better comprehension, retention, and application of what you learn.