The Feynman Technique
Read on to find out what the technique is, what it’s used for, and how you can apply it to your studies to become the best possible student you can be.
What is the best way to learn anything? The Feynman technique of course. This studying method is a powerful way to learn and will enable you to study smarter and faster. Read on to find out what the technique is, what it’s used for, and how you can apply it to your studies to become the best possible student you can be.
Who was Richard Feynman?
A Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Richard Feynman is best known for his invention of the Feynman diagram and the theory of positrons. He was considered one of the greatest scientific minds, a physics genius, and one of the most remarkable scientists in modern history. He was known for being an extraordinary teacher and his lectures are still used today to inspire the next generation of scientists.
What is the Feynman technique?
To put it simply, the Feynman technique is not only to acquire knowledge but to learn through the act of teaching. I will explain further, the technique begins with the student choosing a topic and finding out everything they can about it. The next step is to improve their knowledge enough to explain it to another person. Feynman believed that the only way to truly master a subject is to have a deep enough understanding to teach it to someone else.
Learning with the Feynman technique is no easy task, it can be demanding and use more mental energy than just reading and memorizing but that’s why this technique is so effective, it broadens your understanding of your subject and encourages you to think on a deeper level. Another great reason the technique is highly beneficial is that it helps you to identify problem areas in your understanding and you can easily fill in the gaps using a targeted learning approach.
The steps to follow are identifying the subject, explaining the concept, identifying knowledge gaps, clarifying the gaps, and organizing your thoughts on the topic again. Once you have completed the steps, you will be able to confidently talk and teach the topic or subject you are currently learning about. Don’t worry if you can’t get someone to teach, you could even stand in the mirror and teach it to yourself, it might feel silly but it will be so beneficial to your learning!
What is the technique used for?
This study method is effective for those who usually re-read textbooks and notes. Instead of using repetitive learning to memorize large quantities of information. Try using the Feynman technique to master your learning.
The key to the Feynman technique
Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” The key to the Fenyman technique is being able to deliver what you have learned to someone else clearly and concisely so that someone else can understand it, even if they know nothing about the subject.
This technique is for those who want to solidify their learning and ace their tests and exams. Some other top tips are using spaced repetition to optimize your learning schedule and using a Pomodoro timer to manage your workload and achieve a state of deep focus.
So, there it is the Feynman Technique, the four-step method to understanding any topic through selection, research, writing, explaining, and refining.