The Feynman Study Method
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Greatest Studying Technique in History
In the domain of effective learning strategies, the Feynman Study Method manages to hold itself up as a formidable technique for mastering complex subjects. It is named after the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman and focuses on deep understanding, whereby the learner can explain something in very simple terms. Apply the Feynman Study Method to any subject you want and master it by following this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose A Concept
Select the topic, subject or concept that you would like to learn, and write the title of the concept at the top of a blank page.
Step 2: Explain It to A Toddler
Flip to a clean page, and in words that are as non-technical as possible, with as little jargon as you can muster. Describe the idea as if you were teaching it to a child, or to someone who knows nothing about the subject. This will force you to boil the concept down to its essentials, express it in simple terms and ringing analogies.
Step 3: Identify Gaps in Understanding
When you elaborate or write an explanation, you no doubt will find many places where you realise that you don’t really know something, or where you can’t simplify the information in your mind. These gaps probably identify what you most need to study. Put an asterisk beside those areas to review or remember those areas for later.
Step 4: Go Back to the Source Material
Return to your textbooks, lecture notes, or other sources to fill in the gaps. Pay particular attention to the areas where you didn’t get a good explanation the first time. Read, research, and learn until you can clearly and simply explain those parts.
Step 5: Simplify and Refine
Now, with these new insights and knowledge in mind, try to rewrite your explanation again to see if you can further simplify your description. You may want to envision teaching a class of young students or explaining it to someone who doesn’t know anything about that topic.
Step 6: Review and Repeat
Go back through your improved explanation and try to find holes in it or confusing spots. Do that over and over until you begin to feel that you really do understand the concept. At that point, you can be sure that you will have a good handle on the material, and you’ll be able to explain it clearly to others.
Benefits of the Feynman Technique
The Feynman technique helps to break down difficult concepts into plain words, and it forces a learner to really understand the subject. In doing so, he/she will need to struggle with the basic premises and interrelations of the material, beyond memorisation.
The method also helps to identify the gaps in learner’s understanding. As one is explaining a concept, his/her difficulties or unknowns become apparent; therefore, areas where more study is needed are highlighted. One way of learning with this method is to teach someone else; since a person reiterates information and organises it coherently while teaching, the information gets solidified in the learner’s memory, resulting in its long-term retention and better understanding.
When a person learns to make complex things simple and explain them clearly, it enhances his or her communication skills. The communication skill is therefore not only useful for delivery during school years but also in professional and daily life.
This successful teaching of a concept builds confidence. As learners become confident in their ability to explain topics, self-trust in their knowledge and capabilities develops, and thus further encourages exploration and learning.
The technique also enables active learning. The questioning, explaining, and refining process makes the learning process enjoyable, and curiosity and a deeper engagement with the material are more motivational to learn.
Aside from this, a major benefit of the Feynman Method is the fact that it can be applied to anything one learns or wants to learn, be it mathematics, science, literature, or a foreign language.
Feynman’s Technique works by focusing on understanding and clarity of concepts in different topics that one learns. If the basics are clear and properly grasped, then problem-solving is not going to be very difficult. Breaking a problem into its constituent parts allows learners to take care of it in a more logical, even creative, way. The technique spawns skills in critical thinking, effective communication, and self-directed learning — all crucial to lifelong learning. This helps an individual learn new things continuously in his or her entire lifetime and apply that knowledge accordingly.
Well, that’s it! Those are all the steps you need to master any concept or subject, it can be learned by anyone, anywhere, at any time, all you need is a sheet of paper, a pencil, and your revision material. No need to stay up until two in the morning while cramming knowledge into your brain, just simply do these 6 steps and you will be set for your test!
