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Feynman Technique: How To Learn Anything in No Time
Learning through teaching is one of the most effective methods to learn something new. Telling complicated things in a simple, straightforward manner is a useful skill to have.
Read more about the Feynman learning technique and how it can make learning easier.
Read more about the Feynman learning technique and how it can make learning easier.
"If you want to learn something, try teaching it," was Richard Feynman's advice — a man who developed a strategy for learning new things to prove to others that learning doesn't have to be a complex experience.
This idea has become the basis of the entire Feynman Technique: to learn something new, you need to explain it in simple words and try to teach others.
Do you sometimes find it difficult to learn new things or get used to a new concept? These processes don't have to be daunting, even if it is for many. If you want to supercharge your learning routine and quickly learn just about anything, the Feynman technique could be worth checking out.
Do you sometimes find it difficult to learn new things or get used to a new concept? These processes don't have to be daunting, even if it is for many. If you want to supercharge your learning routine and quickly learn just about anything, the Feynman technique could be worth checking out.
You can apply this technique to any topic you want to learn faster. But what exactly is the Feynman technique, and how is it relevant to you? Read on as Habio uncovers everything you should know about this learning technique and how you can use it to learn anything.
Who is Richard Feynman?
Richard Feynman, who lived from 1918 to 1988, left footprints as a legendary genius with many works that are still significant to this day. He was an American theoretical physicist who made significant contributions in the formulation of quantum mechanics.
The Manhattan project was his first renowned work in his early twenties. Many years later, he won a Nobel Prize for his research efforts and the development of quantum physics.
Feynman later wrote his name on the walls of history when he rejected conventional approaches and developed his own way of thinking and learning. This was how his technique of learning, called the Feynman Technique, was born.
He found a way to connect what he knew with what he did not know. His goal was to use his systematic learning technique to acquire knowledge of anything in less time.
His theories were supported by research and a deep understanding of human behavior. Even after his death, the Feynman Technique continued to receive endorsements and validation from other scientists and schools of thought. Today, the Feynman approach to learning is highly advocated and taught in schools, programs, and workshops where his theory is applied.
The Manhattan project was his first renowned work in his early twenties. Many years later, he won a Nobel Prize for his research efforts and the development of quantum physics.
Feynman later wrote his name on the walls of history when he rejected conventional approaches and developed his own way of thinking and learning. This was how his technique of learning, called the Feynman Technique, was born.
He found a way to connect what he knew with what he did not know. His goal was to use his systematic learning technique to acquire knowledge of anything in less time.
His theories were supported by research and a deep understanding of human behavior. Even after his death, the Feynman Technique continued to receive endorsements and validation from other scientists and schools of thought. Today, the Feynman approach to learning is highly advocated and taught in schools, programs, and workshops where his theory is applied.
Core steps of the Feynman method
Feynman believed that if you want to learn something faster, you should try teaching it. Here are the core steps Richard Feynman used to ensure he understood anything he learned better than anyone else.
1. Identify the subject
Decide on a subject or topic you want to learn about, and study it. If possible, write down what you learn in a notebook and update it as you learn more about the subject. It's best to write down facts based on how you comprehend the subject matter or text.
2. Tell it as you would to a child
Teach another person what you have learned, not an adult friend, but a child no older than 12. Ensure the child understands enough vocabulary and has the appropriate attention span to comprehend what you plan to teach him or her.
If you can teach the child without using complicated jargon and slang, you will discover that you may subconsciously understand the subject on a deeper level. If you struggle to explain yourself, you'll know that there is a gap in your knowledge.
If you can teach the child without using complicated jargon and slang, you will discover that you may subconsciously understand the subject on a deeper level. If you struggle to explain yourself, you'll know that there is a gap in your knowledge.
3. Find the gaps in your knowledge
At the stage where you forget something important or are unable to explain something, that is when you start learning again. This is the core teaching of the Feynman learning technique. To avoid an illusion of knowledge, it's best to acknowledge the knowledge gap and refer back to the source material. Then, relearn it in a manner that allows you to explain it to a child. This will increase your chances of retaining what you have learned.
4. Sum up, simplify, and tell a story
Among other tactics, try using analogies to simplify things. Enhance your understanding and build mastery of the subject of study. The ultimate test of your knowledge is your ability to teach someone else and help them comprehend based on their level of understanding.
If you go through this process repeatedly, you will discover how easy it can be to learn anything under the sun. Moreover, you will realize that learning doesn't have to be a difficult feat. If you can teach a child a concept or subject, you can gain mastery of it in no time.
If you go through this process repeatedly, you will discover how easy it can be to learn anything under the sun. Moreover, you will realize that learning doesn't have to be a difficult feat. If you can teach a child a concept or subject, you can gain mastery of it in no time.
Why Feynman's Learning Technique Works
The Feynman method advocates growth as a product of intelligence. Many have wondered why this technique is effective - and well, it's straightforward, and academic experts couldn't agree less. In any educational system, this approach to learning is invaluable. Want to know in detail why this unique approach to learning works? Let's look at some reasons below.
When you explain something better, you understand it better
This technique is highly valuable and widely applicable to a variety of learning scenarios. Feynman believed that the more you learn something, the more you understand it. This is based on the notion that regular study of a subject increases understanding. Many students can acknowledge this notion to be a fact, especially if self-discipline is applied during the learning process.
You expand your knowledge
Depending on its complexity, most times, reading a book for many hours may not increase your understanding of it. But you can help yourself by implementing the Feynman technique. Therefore, learning with the intent of teaching a child could significantly expand your knowledge of the subject matter.
You learn to be specific and clear
Since you would be teaching someone that does not know as much about the subject matter as you do, you'll want to be as clear as possible to increase their understanding. By doing so, you may subconsciously explain it to yourself in clearer terms and be more specific in your approach without using jargon to express yourself.
You learn how to face unknown concepts
As you study and take notes, it can be difficult to identify unknown concepts and knowledge gaps. But when you attempt to teach another person, you'll notice aspects you have difficulty teaching and can then refer to source materials or relearn the concept again. That way, you can look for the best way to face these complexities and deal with knowledge gaps.
You don't overcomplicate things
If there's one thing the Feynman Technique teaches us, it's to never rush learning. The first two steps emphasize the need to study the topic or subject of interest critically. Then, we analyze our understanding by taking notes.
As you try to explain something to someone else, you may find reasons to use simpler vocabulary and terms to aid their comprehension. That way, you are making it easy for both yourself and the student.
As you try to explain something to someone else, you may find reasons to use simpler vocabulary and terms to aid their comprehension. That way, you are making it easy for both yourself and the student.
Did you know that there are billions of neurons in the brain? It's no wonder why it does not think linearly. If you're having trouble understanding something, reading a book for hours at a time about the topic may not be the solution you need.
We have little control over the brain, but this technique has taught us that we can creatively indulge the brain in learning anything. If you are wondering how to apply the Feynman technique, try to learn something with the intent of teaching another person (a child). Then, discover how easy it is to learn through teaching.
We have little control over the brain, but this technique has taught us that we can creatively indulge the brain in learning anything. If you are wondering how to apply the Feynman technique, try to learn something with the intent of teaching another person (a child). Then, discover how easy it is to learn through teaching.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16381682/
- https://www.colorado.edu/artssciences-advising/resource-library/life-skills/the-feynman-technique-in-academic-coaching
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