I remember when I was studying at the University of Cape Town. Preparing for an exam was a stressful time, and I never quite felt prepared. I always felt that I had put in the time and did my practice exams. I was lost as to what else I could do. Can you relate? I realize now this is level one in a basic studying process but doesn’t always expose my areas of ignorance. Later in life, I discovered a good way to hunt down any areas of ignorance is to use the Feynman Technique.
The Feynman Technique is a practical learning method named after famed physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman is known for his ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms in language that even a child could understand. The technique involves four key steps designed to enhance your understanding and memorization of a given subject matter. You’ll find the steps below:
Feynman Technique Steps
1. Pick a Concept to Master
First off, figure out what you want to learn more about. It could be anything that piques your interest.
Then, grab a blank piece of paper and jot down the name of that concept at the top. Just make it clear what you’re focusing on.
2. Channel Your Inner Beginner
Now, imagine you’re explaining this concept to someone who knows absolutely nothing about it—maybe your younger self or a little niece or nephew. Use plain language. Ditch the fancy terms and stick to the basics.
Break it down into smaller, digestible parts. Make sure you cover all the essential bits.
3. Spot the Gaps and Review
As you try to explain, you’ll probably bump into areas where you’re a bit lost yourself. It’s okay; that happens! This is actually a good sign—it shows you where you need to dig deeper.
So, go back to your books, articles, or whatever resources you have. Refresh your memory and get a better grip on those tricky parts.
4. Simplify and Polish Your Explanation
Now it’s time to refine what you’ve got. Rewrite your explanation using the new insights you’ve picked up. Try to add some metaphors or stories to make the ideas stick better. People often connect more with relatable examples.
Keep reviewing and testing yourself. Go through this cycle until you can explain the concept without getting tangled in too many “uhs” and “ahs.” Depending on how you learn best, you might want to chat with a buddy about it, or you might prefer just writing and rewriting your thoughts.
"That's been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains." - Steve Jobs
Why use the Feynman Technique?
It will help deepen your understanding by forcing you to break down complex ideas into simpler terms, it ensures a deeper grasp of the material. It will also identify weaknesses in your thinking and understanding, in other words, shows where your areas of ignorance are.
This alone will help improve your memorization of the subject matter as the brain is better able to “file it away”. This method will also make you more articulate and help you be a better communicator. You will be able to convey what you know with more clarity and confidence.
The Feynman Technique's iterative process will help you not only understand the concept better but will also help you develop yourself into a more articulate speaker. This will help when talking about what you have studied in any work context.
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