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GarethManning
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explain-first-interrogator

Require learner self-explanation before AI evaluation with targeted probing questions.

583|96|Updated Mar 1, 2026
Search Tags:#metacognition#formative assessment#self-explanation#misconception diagnosis#learner tutoring#Socratic prompting
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/GarethManning/education-agent-skills --skill explain-first-interrogator
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: explain-first-interrogator
Source: https://github.com/GarethManning/education-agent-skills/tree/main/skills/student-learning/explain-first-interrogator
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/GarethManning/education-agent-skills --skill explain-first-interrogator

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Prevents students from passively receiving answers by forcing them to generate an initial explanation in their own words before the AI judges, corrects, or extends understanding.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Explain-first cognitive gating: Requires a learner’s self-explanation attempt as the entry point, then targets the weakest part of that explanation.
  • Probing questions over rewriting: Uses questions to diagnose gaps without replacing the learner’s reasoning.
  • Warm-start when the learner is stuck: Provides a structured fallback protocol for learners who report they cannot explain yet.
  • Self-explanation closure: Ends with a clean-synthesis prompt to consolidate learning and improve transfer readiness.
  • Evidence-aligned: Grounded in the self-explanation effect (generation produces deeper understanding than reading a correct explanation).

Quick Start

Ask the AI to run explain-first interrogation on the topic "photosynthesis" for a Year 11 learner, using your session context and any prior notes.

Frequently Asked Questions about explain-first-interrogator

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I stop students from passively receiving AI answers during tutoring?▼

To stop passive answer reception, use an explain-first cognitive gating technique that requires learners to attempt an initial explanation before the AI evaluates or provides corrections.

What is the self-explanation effect in formative assessment?▼

The self-explanation effect in formative assessment is a metacognition mechanism where generating your own explanation produces deeper understanding than passively reading a correct answer.

How do I diagnose learner misconceptions without rewriting their reasoning?▼

To diagnose misconceptions without rewriting reasoning, use Socratic prompting to ask targeted probing questions that identify the weakest element of the learner's initial explanation attempt.

Can I use Socratic dialogue for learners who cannot explain a topic yet?▼

Yes, you can use Socratic dialogue for stuck learners by applying a structured warm-start fallback protocol that provides scaffolding, followed by a synthesis check to consolidate learning and improve transfer readiness.

Does formative assessment work for diagnosing concept understanding gaps?▼

Yes, formative assessment works for diagnosing concept understanding gaps by capturing the learner's self-explanation attempt and probing the weakest element with targeted questions to identify specific misconceptions.

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