How To Use The Feynman Technique?

In short, the Feynman technique is a simple method of self-directed learning. It is a technique that is about memorizing and which consists of five steps. Each step causes the brain to consciously assimilate the information it is trying to remember, little by little.

The technique is named after Richard Feynman, an American theoretical physicist. Among other things, Feynman participated in the Manhattan project. Furthermore, he had experience in everything you can expect: Teaching himself complicated ideas.

Richard Feynman

By the age of 15, Feynman had already learned advanced algebra, trigonometry, differential and integrated computation, and more. Before coming to university, he already performed mathematical experiments using a method that involved his own notation.

In 1965, he received the Nobel Prize for his theory of quantum electrodynamics. In addition, he was a professor of physics at the Institute of Technology in California.

As a professor, he was popular with his students. He was able to make them understand even the most complicated theories of physics using simple and familiar language.

Thereby, the students were able to understand the topic incredibly well. This paved the way for the Feynman technique, which is a learning method that can be used for both learning and teaching.

According to the Feynman technique and its focus on learning , you may not understand a topic very well if you are not able to explain it to a child. You only have a full understanding of something when you are able to explain it briefly and accurately.

The Feynman technique and the 5 steps

Choose a concept you want to learn about or teach

The technique begins with clarifying and deciding the concept you would like to learn about or understand. You then need to write the concept down on top of a blank piece of paper. The more specific it is, the more effective the rest of the learning process will be.

Develop the theme on paper

Use as simple a language as possible. Write an explanation of the idea. Pretend you were teaching someone about it who is unable to understand the concept. It’s okay to start with a broader summary and then become more and more specific.

It is not enough to express the idea in general terms to demonstrate full understanding. It’s just a starting point from which to start work. In other words, it demonstrates the beginning of your understanding.

Look for new knowledge

If you are not able to explain a topic well enough, go back to the paper and reread it. Examine the material until your explanation seems more or less correct.

You can use all kinds of information you have available. For example, you can use interesting facts or pictures. Use your notes, books or things you find on the internet. Anything that helps to give you a better understanding of the subject and gain new knowledge is appropriate.

It is important to develop this step thoroughly and complete the topic well. The success of the Feynman technique depends on performing this step completely and correctly.

The Feynman technique: Document new knowledge and clarify it

As you gain new knowledge, reflect on it and document it. Focus especially on how it has changed your understanding.

Creating pictures, maps, charts, or anything else that helps you clarify your own thoughts will be helpful. In short, you are trying to demonstrate a correct and accurate understanding of a concept you are trying to learn about or teach using the Feynman technique.

As your understanding changes, so should your demonstration of that understanding. This will deepen your understanding of the topic and illuminate the learning process. This can also lead to the learning of new topics.

Rewrite it as if you were teaching a child the Feynman technique

During this step, you will know if you have learned the information you would like to memorize. To complete this step, take the information you have developed and rewrite it all. But now you have to write it in a different way and still in a simple and easy-to-understand language. In other words, you can use everyday language.

Finally, try to say it out loud as if you were in the process of explaining it to a small child. Any example you can use to help your child understand the information will be helpful.

By following these simple steps of the Feynman technique , you will be able to increase your knowledge of any topic from day one. In addition, you will be able to explain your understanding to anyone in a clear and familiar way.