Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman developed a learning algorithm that enables you to grasp any topic more quickly and thoroughly.
I wasn’t always an exceptional student. I used to believe that the key to learning was simply dedicating more time to it. However, I eventually discovered a life-changing insight.
Feynman understood the distinction between “knowing something” and “knowing the name of something,” which contributed significantly to his success.
He came across a learning formula that allowed him to comprehend concepts more effectively than anyone else. This formula, known as the Feynman Method, empowers you to learn any subject deeply and rapidly.
No matter the topic or concept you wish to explore, the Feynman Method is universally applicable. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to implement. Not only is it an effective learning technique, but it also offers a fresh perspective on how to think.
There are three steps in the Feynman method:
- Step 1: Teach it to your child
- Step 2: Repeat
- Step 3: Organize and Simplify
- Step 4 (Optional): Share
STEP 1: TEACH IT TO YOUR CHILD
Start by taking a blank sheet of paper and jot down what you want to learn. Then, explain what you know about the topic as if you were talking to an eight-year-old—someone who has enough vocabulary and focus to grasp the basic concepts and connections.
Many people use complex words and jargon when they don’t fully understand something. This can be misleading because it obscures our own lack of understanding. Often, we use jargon to mask our confusion from others.
When you write down an idea in simple terms that a child can comprehend (using only common words), you deepen your understanding of the concept and clarify the relationships between different ideas. This effort will help you identify any gaps in your knowledge, which is actually beneficial as it highlights areas where you can learn more.
STEP 2: REPEAT
In the first step, you will likely uncover gaps in your knowledge: perhaps you forgot something important, struggled to explain a concept, or found it challenging to connect key ideas.
This realization is crucial because it highlights the boundaries of your understanding. Recognizing these limits is a sign of competence, and you’ve just identified one! This is where your learning journey truly begins. Now that you know what you need to focus on, revisit the original material and study it again until you can explain it in simple terms.
Identifying the limits of your knowledge also helps reduce the mistakes you might make and enhances your chances of successfully applying what you’ve learned.
STEP 3: ORGANIZE AND SIMPLIFY
Now that you have a collection of handwritten notes, go through them carefully to ensure you haven’t unintentionally included any technical terms from the original material. Next, organize these notes into a cohesive and straightforward story. Read it aloud. If the explanation doesn’t sound simple or feels awkward, it’s an indication that you still need to deepen your understanding of the topic.
STEP 4 (OPTIONAL): SHARE
To confirm your understanding, share what you’ve learned with someone else—preferably someone who is unfamiliar with the topic, like an 8-year-old! The best way to test your grasp of a subject is by your ability to explain it to another person.
CONCLUSION
Learning is a lifelong journey, and the ability to retain information is crucial for personal and professional growth. By implementing effective learning strategies, you can enhance your memory and ensure that knowledge sticks.
