The Self-Explanation Effect is a powerful cognitive tool that deepens learning by prompting individuals to articulate and clarify their thought processes. This paper examines the mechanisms behind self-explanation, including knowledge integration, inference generation, metacognitive awareness, and error identification, illustrating how these processes enhance learning and long-term retention. Research from Lombrozo, Hattie and Yates, and Kahneman underscores the impact of self-explanation on cognitive engagement, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. However, the effect is not without pitfalls—confirmation bias, the illusion of explanatory depth, and the Dunning-Kruger effect can lead learners to reinforce misconceptions rather than correct them. To mitigate these risks, strategies such as activating analytical reasoning (System 2 thinking), seeking diverse perspectives, and engaging in collaborative learning are explored. By fostering deliberate reflection and critical inquiry, self-explanation becomes more than a study strategy—it transforms how learners construct and apply knowledge.

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