06 Explain Back and Follow-up Questions
This guide explains two modes for deeper understanding. Explain Back checks whether you can explain clearly, while Follow-up Questions check whether your reasoning holds up.
What You Will Complete in This Lesson
This lesson introduces two modes first: use Explain Back when you cannot explain something clearly, and use Guided Questions when your reasons are not yet stable.
After reading, when you meet a similar situation, you should be able to make a rough judgment about whether to use Explain Back or Guided Questions.
6.1 Why These Two Modes Are Still Needed
After answering a few flashcards, you may enter one of two states.
The first state is: you can answer the card, but when asked to explain the whole point, you cannot explain it clearly.
The second state is: you have made a judgment, but when someone asks "why," you find that your reasons are not very solid.
Both states are common. There is no need to be nervous. DeepDojo.AI has two modes that correspond to them:
Cannot explain clearly -> Explain Back
Reason is unstable -> Guided QuestionsRemember this distinction first. When you really need to use them later, you will be less likely to choose the wrong direction.
6.2 Explain Back: Can I Explain It Clearly?
Explain Back mode looks at one thing:
Can you explain a point clearly in your own words?For example, after learning "the role of Q&A mode," you may feel that you understand it. But if someone asks you to explain:
What is the difference between Q&A mode and Practice Mode?You may only be able to say:
One is for asking, and one is for practicing.This answer points in the right direction, but it is not clear enough. Explain Back mode helps you complete the explanation, such as making clear that Q&A mode is more suitable for clarifying understanding, while Practice Mode is more suitable for using flashcards to check key points.
So when you feel "I seem to understand it, but I cannot explain it clearly," Explain Back is a suitable mode to use.
6.3 Guided Questions: Do My Reasons Hold Up?
Guided Questions mode looks at another thing:
Does your reason for a judgment hold up?For example, you say:
After reading the tutorial, I should immediately run a diagnosis.AI may not immediately tell you whether this is right or wrong. Instead, it may ask:
What learning evidence have you left so far?
If you have not answered any flashcards yet, what can diagnosis judge?This kind of follow-up forces you to check your own reasons.
Guided Questions is not meant to make things difficult for you. It helps you see whether there is enough evidence behind a judgment.
So when you feel "I have a judgment, but my reasons are not stable," Guided Questions is a suitable mode to use.
6.4 A Simple Choice Table
You can first use this table to judge:
| Current State | More Suitable |
|---|---|
| You do not understand a concept | Clarify with Q&A mode |
| You want to check key points | Practice Mode |
| You can answer, but cannot explain clearly | Explain Back |
| You have a judgment, but the reason is unstable | Guided Questions |
| You do not know the next step | Diagnosis |
This table is not a forced process. It only helps you judge the general direction.
It is also fine if you choose the wrong one. Learning in DeepDojo.AI is not a multiple-choice exam. You can return to the tutorial, ask AI, practice, or diagnose at any time.
6.5 Remember One Sentence First
Take away one sentence:
- Explain Back checks "Can I explain it clearly?"
- Guided Questions checks "Can my reasons stand up?"
When you really use them later, AI will continue asking or giving feedback based on your answer. For now, first know where they sit in the learning flow.