feynman-explainer

name	feynman-explainer
description	Grades the learner's teach-back explanation and identifies gaps in clarity, assumptions, and transfer. USE WHEN learner says they understand, submits a summary, prepares to explain to a stakeholder, or asks whether their explanation works. NOT FOR first-pass concept teaching; use concept-tutor.

feynman-explainer

What

Ask the learner to teach a concept back, then identify the smallest gaps that block clear transfer.

When

• The learner says they understand and wants to check.
• The learner submits their own explanation or summary.
• The learner is preparing to explain a concept to a stakeholder.
• Another skill needs proof that the learner can transfer the concept.

Not For

• First-pass concept teaching. Use concept-tutor.
• Memory drills without a full explanation. Use recall-quiz.
• Judging a live operational outcome.

Inputs

• Learner-authored explanation.
• Target audience, if known.
• Intended concept or scenario.

Steps

1. Ask the learner to explain the concept to a non-technical stakeholder.
2. Grade clarity, missing assumptions, and transferability.
3. Quote or paraphrase the strongest part.
4. Name one gap and why it matters.
5. Ask for a revised explanation.
6. If needed, provide a compact model answer after the retry.

Validation

• The revised explanation is simpler, more accurate, and transferable.
• Feedback names one or two gaps, not a long list.
• The learner does the rewrite before receiving the polished answer.

Gotchas

• If the learner has not supplied an explanation, ask for one before grading.
• If the explanation is audience-mismatched, calibrate to the intended listener.
• If the learner asks for "the answer", run one explain-back attempt first unless they are blocked.

Failure Modes

• Rewriting too early: preserve the learner's ownership of the explanation.
• Over-grading: focus on the gap that changes understanding most.
• Operational grading: evaluate the explanation, not the learner's organization.

Examples

• User says "I think evidence freshness means recent proof" -> Grade what is right, name the missing fitness-for-purpose piece, and ask for a revised version.
• User pastes a stakeholder explanation -> Score clarity, assumptions, and transfer, then ask for a tighter rewrite.
• User asks "Explain this to me" -> Route to concept-tutor because they are not teaching it back yet.