https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f-qkGJBPts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wzyFyB09JY https://e-student.org/feynman-technique/
“If you cant explain it simply, then you don’t understand it well enough.” - Albert Einstein
“What one fool can understand, another can.” - Richard Feynman
The Feynman Technique is attributed to the Physicist & Professor Richard Feynmen. His nickname was “The Great Explainer”, due to his ability of refine complex concepts until they were intuitive to understand & easy to explain.
The technique is based on the idea that if you can explain a concept simply to someone without the same knowledge, then you truly understand it.
Along with comprehension, this technique can improve memorization & articulation of a concept. A good teacher can repackage a concept into different language based on who they are talking to.
Steps:
- Specify the concept 2. Gather sources or notes to reference
- Explain the concept as if teaching a sixth-grader
- Use simple and concise language
- Include diagrams or examples if relevant
- Identify areas of improvement
- Ask yourself questions for things that you may assume
- Revisit resources
- Find & revise the answers to questions
- Simplify
- Condense ideas into what’s important
- Avoid complex language or technical terms
You can repeat these steps until you feel you’ve mastered the topic & your explanation feels intuitive.
This technique works well when paired with other techniques like Progressive Summarization, Spaced Repitition, Pomodoro Method, & Active Recall