Teaching to Learn: Why Explaining Concepts Deepens Understanding

Want to really understand something? Teach it to someone else.

The "protégé effect" shows that when we teach, we learn. Preparing to teach and actually teaching both enhance our own understanding.

Why Teaching Works

Forces Organization

To teach, you must organize information logically. This organization deepens your understanding.

Reveals Gaps

You can't explain what you don't understand. Teaching exposes gaps in your knowledge.

Requires Simplification

To teach beginners, you must simplify. This requires understanding the core principles.

Creates Retrieval Practice

Teaching is active recall—you're retrieving and articulating what you know.

Motivates Deeper Learning

Knowing you'll teach motivates more thorough preparation.

How to Use Teaching for Learning

Actually Teach Someone

• Study groups
• Tutoring
• Explaining to friends/family
• Online content creation

Pretend Teaching

• Explain to an imaginary student
• Record yourself teaching
• Write as if teaching
• The rubber duck method (explain to a rubber duck)

The Feynman Technique

1. Choose a concept
2. Explain it as if to a child
3. Identify gaps in your explanation
4. Study those gaps
5. Simplify and repeat

Tips for Effective Teaching-to-Learn

• Prepare like you'll really teach
• Use simple language, no jargon
• Include examples
• Anticipate questions
• Notice where you struggle

When to Use This

• After learning something new
• Preparing for exams
• When you "sort of" understand
• For any complex concept

If you can teach it clearly, you know it. If you can't, you've found what to study.

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Related Articles:

• The Feynman Technique
• Active Recall Guide

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