How to Learn Anything in 4 Steps using the Feynman Technique
The framework that can change your life.
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough” — Albert Einstein
Ever been in a situation when you thought you understood the topic well? until you found your mind going blank when you explained it to somebody else. I don’t know about you but I’ve surely faced it multiple times.
Richard Feynman was an American physicist who received the noble prize in 1965 for his research on quantum electrodynamics. He had an incredible ability to communicate complex ideas in easy and digestible ways.
He believed that anyone was capable of learning. if they followed a system or a framework which we now call the Feynman technique.
What is Feynman Technique?
The Feynman technique is based on the idea that one of the most effective ways to enhance our understanding is to imagine that we’re teaching it to somebody who has absolutely no idea about the topic. say a 5-year-old.
This method of teaching somebody allows us to evaluate our knowledge about the given topic in real time. we start to notice our knowledge gaps, the area where our mind starts wandering, or the time we start using jargon and complexity to mask a lack of deep understanding.
Feynman technique is a 4 step process that involves
- Identify the topic
- Explaining a 5-year-old
- Identify knowledge gaps
- Review and simplify
Let’s discuss each of these in detail —
1. Identify the topic
Pick up a piece of paper and write down everything about a topic you’ve recently studied.
At this stage, you’ll be testing your knowledge of the topic.
choose a topic that is not too broad otherwise it’ll get difficult to follow step no. 2.
2. Explaining a 5-year-old
Pretend to teach the topic to a small child or somebody who has no prior knowledge of the subject. The idea is to be clear and explain in simple terms.
Try using everyday examples to explain complex ideas.
This method is helpful for two main reasons 1) we can't hide things we don't know while explaining them to others. we’ll quickly find areas where we need to focus more and 2) we can receive immediate feedback.
3. Finding Knowledge gaps
At this point, you’re aware of the areas you faced difficulty explaining. pinpoint the areas where you lost your cool. did you use any jargon or complex term to compensate?
These are the area you need to work on and deepen your understanding. and this brings us to the last step
4. Review and simplify
By now, you must have a good understanding of the topic. reorganize your thoughts, so that explanation flows more naturally.
You may have to repeat this step more than once. until you’re able to convey your thoughts in a compelling story or narrative. Test-and-learn. and refine your story or narrative accordingly.
Conclusion
This framework is highly effective in developing a deeper understanding of any topic. anyone can create complexity, it takes a genius mind to break complex ideas into easy and digestible ways.
Remember Feynman’s technique and don't be fooled next time you encounter anybody overcomplicating stuff, or using jargon. knowing that they are trying to mask a lack of deep understanding.
