Need to know how to learn a concept very quickly? The Feynman Technique is a study method that was created by physicist Richard Feynman. It is based on the idea of explaining a concept simply and clearly to make sure it is fully understood. It is one of the best ways to learn absolutely anything and harnesses the power of teaching for better learning.
Steps to successfully apply the Feynman Technique
Next, let’s take a look at the different steps that must be followed to perform the Feynman Technique.
Step 1: Choose a concept you want to learn about
Take a sheet of paper (or open one of your productivity apps) and write the topic you want to learn about at the top. It can be anything from math and science to history or any other field of knowledge, such as SEO or AI.
After choosing the concept, learn about it for an hour. You can do this through whatever medium you prefer and that is effective and convenient for you. It could be books, courses, programs, podcasts, audiobooks, charts, research papers, reports, YouTube videos, blog posts, etc.
Step 2: Explain it to a 6-year-old child
Think of it as if you have to teach them what you just learned. Write your understanding of the topic in your own words. Keep it simple and clear.
The principle behind this step is that it forces us to test our understanding rather than mimic what we have read or heard. If you can’t clearly and simply define the words and terms you are using, you won’t really know what you are talking about. Therefore, it requires you to take ideas apart and reconstruct them from scratch.
Step 3: Identify the gaps in your understanding.
As you explain the concept in a simple way, you may find that there are parts that you do not fully understand or that you find difficult to explain in a simple way. Identify those gaps and revisit those areas.
The beauty of writing about what you read, heard or saw is the key to turning the learning experience into knowledge you can use. Because writing is reflecting and that activates the brain to reinforce the memory 10 times more than if we just read or listen.
If you feel stuck and can’t remember some of the knowledge points, refer back to the materials until you can explain them in your own words. In this sense, it is important to identify gaps in your knowledge as a fundamental part of the learning process. Filling those gaps is the way to make the learning stick.
Stage 4: Refine and synthesize
Try to reduce long sentences, eliminate ambiguities and improve clarity. For example, when you find yourself explaining in a long sentence, try to shorten it and be more concise and clear. You can even create an analogy to explain the concept or create some graphics if you find it useful.
The purpose of this step is to see how you can explain better. To test your understanding in the real world, do it with someone else (ideally someone who knows little about the subject or a child). when you are satisfied with your explanation, save it in a folder or organize it in your learning journal.
Without a doubt, following this technique for everything you learn provides you with a path full of learning.
Photo credit: GB
