I am a natural dabbler.

My native style is to learn just enough to be dangerous. I often arrive at unconscious competence too soon, having missed some steps. That said I do love to learn and iterate and eventually I get there. Usually, through hard reps or time spent knuckling down.

There is obviously a better way, and I learned this from one of science’s greatest minds. It is called…

The Feynman Learning Technique

With a name like that it could only be inspired by the genius that was Richard Feynman. He originally used it as an effective strategy for mastering new concepts. The method has 4 simple steps…

Step 1: Pretend to Teach It

  1. Take out a blank sheet of paper and write the subject you want to learn at the top.
  2. Write out everything you know about the subject as if you were teaching it to a child.
    • Aim for simplicity, avoiding complex vocabulary and jargon.
    • Ensure your explanation is understandable at a sixth-grade reading level.

By breaking down the concept into simple language, you force yourself to understand it at a deeper level, clarifying relationships and connections. Simplification creates understanding.

Step 2: Identify Gaps in Your Explanation

  1. Review your explanation and identify areas where you struggle or feel unclear.
    • These gaps highlight where your understanding is incomplete.
  2. Return to the source material or seek additional resources to fill these gaps.
    • Look up definitions and explanations until you can articulate everything in basic terms.

Avoid technical language as being able to explain your understanding without jargon demonstrates true comprehension.

Step 3: Organize and Simplify

  1. Organize your notes into a coherent narrative.
    • Structure the information from beginning to end, ensuring it flows logically.
    • If you have writing structures that you use here would be a good place to insert them.
  2. Read the narrative out loud.
    • If any part sounds confusing, revisit Step 2 to refine your explanation.
    • Reading out loud also lets you know where the clunky bits are.

Regularly reviewing and refining your notes helps reinforce your understanding and retention. A narrative style allows the story to stick in your mind.

Step 4: Transmit (Optional)

  1. Share your explanation with someone who is unfamiliar with the subject.
    • This could be a friend, family member, or even an audience.
    • There is always someone who will listen to your new fascination. People love to listen to those who are interested in something simply because passion is thin on the ground for most people.
  2. Present your material in various formats:
    • Read your notes directly.
    • Present it like a lecture.
    • Engage in a discussion.
    • Write it out and post it online (sort of like this).

Look for feedback and questions as this will further solidify your understanding and highlight areas for improvement.

A Final Thoughts

The Feynman Technique is not just a method for learning; it’s a powerful tool for developing a deep understanding of any concept. By teaching it simply, you identify your gaps, you organise your thoughts, and by sharing your knowledge, you transform information into lasting comprehension.

In other words, you get smarter and so do the people who pay attention to you. And that if we are honest is not a bad payoff all around.

Take Action:

  • Choose a concept you want to master.
  • Apply the Feynman Technique to break it down and understand it thoroughly.
  • Share your newfound knowledge with others to reinforce your learning.

Remember: Action on insights, is the Answer.

@thesnowhow

snowyphillips.com