Learning from explaining: does it matter if mom is listening?

Bethany Rittle-Johnson; Megan Saylor; Kathryn E Swygert

doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2007.10.002

Learning from explaining: does it matter if mom is listening?

J Exp Child Psychol. 2008 Jul;100(3):215-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jecp.2007.10.002. Epub 2007 Nov 19.

Authors

Bethany Rittle-Johnson¹, Megan Saylor, Kathryn E Swygert

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. bethany.rittle-johnson@vanderbilt.edu

PMID: 18022183
DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2007.10.002

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to examine whether explaining to another person improves learning and transfer. In the study, 4- and 5-year-olds (N=54) solved multiple classification problems, received accuracy feedback, and were prompted to explain the correct solutions to their moms, to explain the correct solutions to themselves, or to repeat the solutions. Generating explanations (to selves or moms) improved problem-solving accuracy at posttest, and explaining to mom led to the greatest problem-solving transfer. The study indicates that explanation prompts can facilitate transfer in children as young as 5 years and reveals that it matters if mom is listening.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Attention*
Child, Preschool
Color Perception
Concept Formation*
Discrimination Learning
Female
Humans
Male
Mother-Child Relations*
Pattern Recognition, Visual
Problem Solving*
Retention, Psychology
Transfer, Psychology
Verbal Behavior*