What Do You Think of This Explanation? Why Feedback Matters in Learning
We’ve all been there: You spend hours preparing a lesson, crafting what you believe is the clearest explanation of a complex topic. You present it confidently, only to be met with blank stares or hesitant nods. Then, someone raises their hand and asks, “But what about…?” or “Could you go over that again?” Suddenly, you realize your explanation didn’t land the way you hoped.
This scenario highlights a universal truth in education and communication: The quality of an explanation isn’t just about what’s said—it’s about how it’s received. Asking, “What do you think of this explanation?” isn’t just a polite invitation for opinions; it’s a critical step in ensuring understanding, engagement, and growth. Let’s break down why feedback on explanations matters and how to use it effectively.
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Why Explanations Need a Reality Check
Imagine teaching someone to ride a bike. You might say, “Just balance and pedal!” But if the learner freezes up, your explanation—no matter how logical—has failed to address their fear or confusion. Explanations exist to bridge gaps in knowledge, but those gaps vary wildly from person to person. Without feedback, you’re essentially teaching in the dark.
Feedback acts as a spotlight. It reveals:
1. Misunderstandings: Did your audience interpret terms differently? (e.g., “balance” might mean “don’t wobble” to you but “don’t fall” to a nervous beginner.)
2. Assumptions: Did you skip a step that seemed obvious to you but isn’t to others?
3. Engagement: Are listeners bored, overwhelmed, or curious to learn more?
A study by the University of Michigan found that students retain 50% more information when lessons are adjusted based on real-time feedback. This isn’t just about fixing errors—it’s about creating a two-way dialogue that respects the learner’s perspective.
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How to Ask for Feedback (Without Making It Awkward)
The question “What do you think of this explanation?” can feel intimidating if not framed thoughtfully. Here’s how to encourage honest, constructive responses:
1. Be Specific: Instead of a broad “Any questions?”, ask, “Which part of this process is most confusing?” or “What example would make this clearer?” Specificity reduces vague answers and pinpoints areas for improvement.
2. Normalize Confusion: Say, “I always find this topic tricky—what’s tripping you up?” This makes it safe to admit confusion without feeling judged.
3. Use Non-Verbal Cues: In classrooms or workshops, tools like thumbs-up/down, sticky notes, or live polls can help shy participants share their thoughts.
For example, a high school biology teacher I spoke with uses a “traffic light system”: Students hold up red, yellow, or green cards to signal their grasp of a concept. This quick visual feedback lets her adjust her pacing on the spot.
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When Feedback Exposes Flaws in Your Approach
Criticism of your explanation can sting, especially if you’ve put effort into it. But feedback isn’t a critique of your expertise—it’s a roadmap to better communication. Let’s reframe common reactions:
– “They didn’t get it. I’m a bad teacher.” → “My explanation didn’t account for their prior knowledge. How can I connect this to what they already understand?”
– “This person is just being difficult.” → “Their resistance might highlight a gap in my logic. What’s their underlying concern?”
A software developer once told me how user feedback transformed his tutorials. Initially, he explained coding concepts using technical jargon. After learners repeatedly asked, “Why does this matter?” he started each lesson with real-world applications (e.g., “This loop automates invoice generation, saving hours of work”). Engagement skyrocketed.
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The Ripple Effect of Feedback-Driven Learning
When explanations evolve through feedback, the benefits extend beyond the immediate topic:
1. Critical Thinking: Learners who question explanations become better problem-solvers. They learn to analyze information rather than passively absorb it.
2. Trust: Admitting, “I didn’t explain that well—let’s try again,” builds credibility. It shows you care about their understanding, not just delivering content.
3. Innovation: Feedback often sparks new ideas. A student’s “What if we approached it this way?” could lead to a breakthrough you hadn’t considered.
Take the case of a medical school that revamped its anatomy curriculum after students struggled with traditional lectures. By incorporating 3D models and peer teaching (where students explain concepts to each other), pass rates improved by 30%. The key wasn’t fancier tools—it was adapting explanations to how students actually learned.
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Putting It Into Practice: A Framework for Better Explanations
Ready to make feedback a natural part of your teaching or communication style? Try this cycle:
1. Explain: Present the concept clearly, using relatable examples.
2. Check-In: Ask targeted questions like, “Does this align with what you’ve experienced?”
3. Adapt: Use feedback to rephrase, add examples, or break down steps further.
4. Re-Explain: Address gaps without judgment (“Let me try another angle…”).
5. Loop Back: End with, “How does this version land compared to the first?”
Over time, this process becomes intuitive. You’ll start anticipating common sticking points and crafting explanations that are flexible from the start.
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Final Thoughts: Explanations Are Conversations, Not Monologues
The question “What do you think of this explanation?” is more than a feedback request—it’s an acknowledgment that learning is collaborative. Whether you’re teaching a classroom, training a team, or even writing an article (hi!), every explanation is a living thing. It grows sharper and more impactful when shaped by the people it’s meant to serve.
So next time you explain something, pause and invite those honest reactions. You might discover that the best way to illuminate a topic isn’t to talk louder but to listen more closely. After all, the mark of a great teacher isn’t perfection—it’s the willingness to ask, “How can I make this clearer for you?”
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