Feynman Learning Technique

Overview

• Effective for learning new material, deepening understanding, or studying for exams.

Steps

1. Pick a Topic

   • Select a topic you want to understand.

2. Study the Topic

   • Gain an initial understanding of the subject.

3. Teach the Topic

   • Write about it as if teaching someone else.
   • Ideally, write and speak at the same time, similar to a teacher at a blackboard.

4. Identify Gaps

   • Realize which parts you understand and where the gaps are.
   • Whenever stuck, go back to study and repeat until you can explain it fully.

5. Simplify and Refine

   • Repeat the process from the beginning.
   • Simplify your language or use graphic analogies.
   • If your explanation is wordy or confusing, you likely need to improve your understanding.

Key Points

• Explaining an idea helps deepen your understanding.
• Simple explanations indicate deep understanding and lasting memory.

About Richard Feynman

• Leading theoretical physicist.
• Received a Nobel Prize for work in quantum electrodynamics.
• Known for testing understanding by asking for simple explanations.

Additional Resources

• Check out other Sprouts learning techniques for complementary methods.
• Provide feedback or share your favorite techniques in the comments.

Notes

• Practice helps achieve simplicity in explanations.
• Iterative process leads to mastery.