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Learn Every Concept Easily Using the Feynman Technique

By Shreya PatroSeptember 05, 2022
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Everything You Should Know about the Feynman Technique

The Feynman Technique is a very famous method of learning that can unleash the potential of the brain to understand a complicated concept and develop deep learning tactics. One can use this model to effectively learn new concepts and make up for any knowledge gaps that might take place. Even if you have any idea that you want to recall or study in a more effective and efficient manner, this technique of learning is definitely useful. 


For students who are struggling with grasping the concepts of tough subjects, there is no doubt that this Feynman technique is going to be a lot of help. The technique is named after Richard Feynman who was a Nobel Prize awarded physicist. He had a very special ability and it was to explain different concepts that were pretty complicated to others in simpler and more understandable terms. He came to realise that vague words, complexities, and jargon reveal a basic lack of foundational understanding. 


So, let us have a look at how one can use the Feynman technique of learning and apply it to their study routine. 


What are the Two Types of Knowledge? 

Feynman basically understood the important fact that there is a difference between developing a proper understanding of concepts and just knowing the name of the topic. That is one of the most important reasons why he succeeded in creating the technique for learning. As for Richard Feynman, he wasn’t just content with knowing the name of the topic or the concept but he wanted to understand everything deeply and develop his knowledge more. That is the trick to understanding complicated concepts in the most effective manner. 


What is Feynman Technique?

If students get to know what is Feynman technique, there is no doubt that they will be able to understand its importance and then can apply the technique skilfully to their routine. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that if you wish to have a deep understanding of something, you will have to try and explain the concept in simple terms. 


Student Explaining to Others


Student Explaining to Others


When you attempt to explain something in simple terms, you will understand whether you have a better understanding of the concept or not. With this method, you can also pinpoint any issues or gaps that you might have regarding the understanding of the topic. Is there any point where you might feel like you’re stuck or unable to explain? Well, that is the point that you need to work on more. And that is exactly what the Feynman technique is all about. 


According to Richard Feynman, there is a very simple trick to learning any concept and there are 4 steps that one has to follow. It is simply one of the best processes and tactics for learning something. Basically, there are 4 steps to this Feynman Learning technique. 

  1. Identify your topic. 

  2. Teach it to someone you know, preferably a child. 

  3. Review the explanation you make. 

  4. Simplify things and refine your explanation.

This is the basic gist of the technique and it is a profitable solution for students who are struggling to grasp some concepts in their studies.  


How to Use Feynman Technique? 

Most people would want to know how to use the Feynman technique and we are going to answer this question. Since the crux of the technique lies in the explanation of the concept, one can execute it in different ways and that includes explaining it to their friends and family. However, you might not have people always willing to listen to you. So, the next best thing is to grab a notebook and pen. 

  1. The first step is to write the name of the concept. Try to use any concept that you like. It doesn’t necessarily have to be related to Physics and Mathematics. 

  2. Now you have to explain the topic using words of your own. Pretend as if you are trying to teach someone. Make sure that you use simple and plain terms for the explanation. Also, don’t limit the explanation to just definitions and try to capture the broader view of the concept. Provide some examples if you have to. 

  3. Now you will have to review the explanation and look out for any areas where you feel like more explanation is required. Once you have successfully pinpointed those areas, go back to the source material and boost up your knowledge. 

  4. In case there are any sections or areas where you might have used more technical jargon for complex words, try and make those parts simpler. Make sure that the explanation for the topic can easily be understood by someone who doesn’t have much idea about it. 

So, that is it with the Feynman notebook method. Follow these steps and you can easily learn more concepts without any difficulties. 


Is Feynman Technique the Best Way of Learning? 

To answer it simply, the Feynman technique of learning is considered to be one of the simplest methods of learning and understanding this in a quick and efficient manner. There are many advantages to this technique and one is that it eliminates any need for memorization if you are doing things correctly. While it is important to memorise things if you want to learn any concept, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be able to understand the concept properly. 


Using proper analogies and simple language to explain the topic has a much more important role to play in developing a better understanding. Finally, you will have to show an interest in the topic first to explore it properly and get into the crux for better understanding. 


Feynman Technique: Making Learning Easier 

So, what do you think? Is the Feynman technique the best way to learn anything? Well, it certainly depends on how you prefer to learn things. If you are interested in just learning the topic and barely grazing the surface, then just memorising the concepts, terms, and definitions would just be enough. However, if you do want to develop a good understanding of the concept, the Feynman technique would definitely be helpful.