The Feynman Technique is a simple yet powerful tool that works for all subjects. It involves breaking down concepts and ideas (mostly complex ones) into simpler terms that can be explained according to your understanding. This learning strategy was devised by the Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist, Richard Feynman.
It is an effective method to learn and understand complex subjects because it forces you to think deeply and refine your explanation until it is clear.
Albert Einstein had a famous quote. He said: "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." Simple is the key. When complex problems are broken into smaller problems, we'll start seeing the big picture because the problems have been made simple. That's what the Feynman Technique does.
How does the Feynman Technique prove to be efficient? The technique is simple and consists of 4 key steps:
Identifying the concept, writing it down, and explaining it in simple terms.
Identifying your areas of struggle or gaps in your understanding.
Reviewing, simplifying and organising your understanding.
explaining it again, then transmitting.
Identifying The Concept
Well, there are a couple of reasons why you'll want to understand a concept, so you've already identified it. After you've identified the concept you want to grasp, write it down and try to explain it in simple terms.
How do you explain it in simple terms? You can explain it to a rubber duck or pretend you're explaining it to a child or someone else.
Identifying your Areas of Struggle
Obviously, after trying to explain the concept to a rubber duck, a kid, or something, you'll notice there are some areas you don't understand and you're finding it difficult to explain. That's the benefit of this step. You're able to identify gaps in your understanding. You can list out the gaps and move on to the next step.
Reviewing your understanding
After you've identified every area in which you've struggled to explain the concepts, go back over your source material and simplify the problem until it's completely understood. This way, you've composed your concept into an elegant and simple term.
Explain it again, then transmit
Yes! Explain the concept again until you've noticed there are no gaps in your understanding and you've made it simple. Compare your understanding to Einstein's quote. Ask yourself questions like this: Can you still simplify it? Does my rubber duck understand it? Are there still gaps in my understanding?
These questions guarantee that you correctly understand the concepts. Then, you can consider transmitting it (totally optional). Transmit it by teaching it; this helps the knowledge stick.
In conclusion, the Feynman technique is an effective method for comprehending and learning difficult ideas. You can improve your communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of the subject by simplifying complex concepts before explaining them in your own words. I hope this article has motivated you to experiment with the Feynman technique and experience the learning and personal development advantages it can offer.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Feynman technique and how it can help you, as well as for checking out this article. Make sure you like the article; that's how I stay motivated.
Happy learning 😁🙌👍