Understanding things.
WHERE IT IS STRONGEST
Explaining at whatever level you specify Answering follow-up questions Testing you Explaining why you were wrong
THE INSTRUCTION THAT MATTERS
Specify your level. "Explain to someone who knows nothing about it" or "explain to someone who understands [related thing]".
THE PATTERN THAT WORKS
Attempt the problem Ask for a hint, not the answer Attempt again Ask why your approach was wrong
THAT LAST STEP
Where most of the learning is. Knowing the right answer teaches less than understanding why yours failed.
FOR TESTING YOURSELF
"Ask me questions on this material one at a time. Wait for my answer. Tell me what I got wrong and why."
Retrieval strengthens memory. Rereading feels productive and does little.
WHAT HARMS LEARNING
Asking for answers before attempting Accepting explanations you did not check
THE TEST
Could you do it tomorrow without it?
