Study Tips: The Feynman Technique

When it comes to revising for exams, many of us (and this includes me) have resorted to the good old-fashioned technique of cramming in as much information as we can in to our brains. This involves memorising a load of facts, figures and theories. And all without really understanding what we are trying to remember for the exam. This is highly ineffective. Sure, it may get you a top mark if you have a great memory but have you ever thought about trying to explain what you've memorised to a young child? Chances are, they won't understand. You can't just relay the information that you've memorised to them. That won't work because they're going to ask that one question you want to avoid, and that's “why?”. If you can't explain what you're studying to a child, then you don't really understand what you're learning. Just let that thought sink in… Here's a quote that was apparently said by Albert Einstein: “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough" Whether or not the above quote was said by Einstein, it certainly makes a lot of sense. And this forms the basis of an extremely useful study technique called the Feynman technique. Named after Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, who in addition to being a brilliant scientist was called “The Great Explainer”. And he got this nickname for his ability to explain complex ideas to others in simple and plain english that was easy to understand. The idea behind this technique is to pinpoint any areas in your learning that you find difficult explaining. Identifying these areas will help you become aware of any weaknesses in your knowledge so you can improve it. Remember, if you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it.

The 4 Steps That You Can Use to Apply The Feynman Technique 

The best way to apply this technique is to practice it with a friend. Or if you fancy more of a challenge, then you can practice it with a young child. However, since it can be difficult to find someone on short notice, especially if you have an exam round the corner. There is a four step process that you can use to apply the Feynman technique to yourself.
  1. With a note book or a blank sheet of A4 paper, write the name of topic at the top. You can use any topic, but the more specific the topic the better. Even though this study method is named after a famous scientist, it is not limited to just science and maths.
  2. Next, write down an explanation of the concept in your own words. Try to use as much simple and plain english as possible. Don't limit your explanation with just a definition. Challenge yourself by writing down an example or two. This ensures you can put the topic you're studying into action.
  3. Once you've written down your explanation, you then need to review it and identify any areas that you feel is not clearly explained. Once you have pinpointed these areas, go back to either your notes or your course materials. When you feel you have a better understanding of these weaker areas, it's time to rewrite your explanation again.
  4. In your latest version of your explanation, try and identify any areas in your explanation where you have used any complicated terms. With these area, try and challenge yourself to re-write these parts in to simpler terms. Remember, the aim of this exercise is to explain the topic in the simplest of terms so that anyone who is not familiar with the topic can understand it.
The Feynman technique is so much more effective than the conventional technique of memorising facts, figures and theories. There is a difference between understanding and remembering. And the Feynman technique can help you understand what you're studying so you can remember it for a long time.

Example of The Feynman Technique In Action

To help you get a better understanding for the Feynman technique, here's a video of Scott Young explaining the techniques whilst giving an example. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrNqSLPaZLc&t=118s[/embed] This technique is excellent. It can be applied to any course you take. Even the online distance courses that we deliver here at The Learning Station. Thanks for reading! What are your thoughts on this technique? Do you know of any other study technique that can help you understand a concept better? Tell us in the comments section below.
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