Explanation Effect: Why You Should Always Teach What You Learn

Explanation Effect: Why You Should Always Teach What You Learn

It is a peculiar irony in life that the fastest and best way to learn something is to give it to others as soon as you learn it — not to hog it yourself. Knowledge wants to be free, to rest in other people’s minds, and to connect to other knowledge. Learning is not just about taking in information; it's about processing and sharing that information. In fact, teaching others what you learn can have a profound impact on your own understanding and retention.

In a Harvard study, employees who spent the last 15 minutes of each day of their training period writing and reflecting on what they had learned did 23% better in the final training test than other employees. This simple act of teaching themselves through reflection and journaling allowed them to solidify their understanding and reinforce the information in their minds. It's like giving their newly acquired knowledge a proper home.

Starting a daily learning journal can be a game-changer in your life. Not only does it help you process and retain information better, but it also allows you to track your progress and identify areas where you need further improvement. By writing down what you have learned, you are essentially teaching yourself and reinforcing the knowledge in your mind. It's like becoming your own teacher, guiding yourself through the learning process.

But why does teaching others what you learn have such a powerful effect on your own understanding? One possible explanation is the Pinterest Pivot. Ben Silbermann, the co-founder of Pinterest, experienced this firsthand. As he observed people using his previous app, Tote, he noticed that while they weren't making purchases through the app, they were amassing collections of "favorite" items to share with their friends. This resonated with Silbermann's childhood memory of collecting insects and sharing his collection with others. He saw an opportunity to create a platform where people could visually display and share their collections with one another.

The pivot from Tote to Pinterest was iterative. Silbermann understood the importance of meeting customers' needs and providing a solution that truly resonated with them. He pitched his idea to an investor, explaining how people had a tendency to share their collections with one another. The investor was immediately intrigued and decided to invest in Silbermann's vision. This pivot not only saved Pinterest from potential failure but also transformed it into the successful platform we know today.

The Pinterest Pivot highlights the power of connecting with others and sharing what you have. It's a reminder that learning is a social process, and knowledge flourishes when it is shared. When you teach others what you learn, you are not only helping them, but you are also solidifying your own understanding and deepening your knowledge.

So, how can you apply this concept to your own learning journey? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Start a learning journal: Set aside time each day to reflect on what you have learned. Write down key takeaways, insights, and any questions or areas where you need further clarification. By teaching yourself through reflection, you will reinforce your understanding and retain information better.

2. Share your knowledge: Look for opportunities to teach others what you have learned. It can be through informal conversations, blog posts, or even creating educational content. By explaining concepts to others, you will gain a deeper understanding yourself and potentially inspire others to learn as well.

3. Embrace collaboration: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions. Engage in discussions, join study groups, or seek out mentors who can guide you in your learning journey. Collaborating with others allows you to learn from different perspectives and expands your knowledge base.

In conclusion, the explanation effect highlights the importance of teaching others what you learn. By sharing your knowledge, you not only help others but also reinforce and deepen your own understanding. Embrace the power of teaching, connect with others, and watch your learning journey flourish. Remember, knowledge wants to be free, and the more you give, the more you receive.