ABSTRACT
The teach-to-learn method is similar to other oft-cited learning strategies, such as learning by teaching, elaborative interrogation, self-explanation, the platypus learning technique, and the Feynman Technique, but they all share the same basic operating mechanisms. By providing students with exemplars of quality explanations and teaching interactions, they are able to model their methods accordingly, using plain language versus jargon, highlighting connections between key elements, and drawing analogies to familiar concepts. While the time required for students to explain or teach everything they learn may be impractical, teaching them to employ the method on key concepts and skills will have the further benefit of developing productive learning habits, equipping students to become effective lifelong learners. The greatest benefits occur when students are required to produce rich explanations versus explanations like “that’s just how it works” or “that’s what so-and-so said.”
