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Tips for Crafting Better Explnation - Coggle Diagram
Tips for Crafting Better Explnation
Author
:silhouette:
Maryellen Weimer :woman::skin-tone-2:
PhD – long-time contributor to Faculty Focus :school:
focuses on
teaching strategies in higher education
Findings
:pen:
Good explanations aren’t just about what is said, but how it’s said and how it lands with the learner :speaking_head_in_silhouette:
Many teachers don’t revisit or revise their explanations but this article pushes them to :fist:
Conclusion
:man-bowing::skin-tone-2:
Clear explanations are a cornerstone of good teaching:ok_hand:
Teachers should consciously plan, deliver, reflect on, and improve how they explain conceptszap:
Purpose
:fist::skin-tone-3:
To highlight how often we overlook the quality of explanations in teaching:mag:
Offers a list of characteristics that make explanations clearer and more effective
Methodology
:newspaper:
Offers practical suggestions based on common instructional scenarios
Draws from personal experience, reflection, and established educational thought
:closed_book:
Key Themes
:old_key:
Paced at the speed of the learner
Don’t rush; allow students time to absorb
Repetition without frustration
Repeat as often as needed, with patience :repeat:
Malleable and able to be reshaped
Be flexible; have alternate ways to explain ready
Language at the level of the learner
Explanations should be simple and understandable, not packed with academic jargon :keyboard:
Use of relevant examples
Tie explanations to something learners relate to
Not single-sourced
it’s okay if another voice helps deepen understanding
Always made better
Even great explanations can be improved :+1:
Impact on Students :male-student::skin-tone-3:
Builds stronger teacher-student communication:smiley:
Supports understanding by adjusting explanations to learner needs
Reduces student embarrassment and encourages questions
Strengths
:raised_hands:
Offers realistic, immediately usable suggestions
Encourages reflection and self-awareness in teachers
Written in a conversational, accessible tone :speaking_head_in_silhouette: