Education itself expands into a broad range of topics, which can be intimidating to students not knowing how to utilize excellent study habits, and methods to simplify complex topics. A person aiming to receive all A’s in school, whether it be primary education, secondary, or post-secondary education, will not spend hours anxiously procrastinating assignments, or working for three hours, only to complete a single worksheet. However, the most scholarly students use time efficiently, and effectively to complete tasks on-time, while still retaining vast amounts of information.
What is the Feynman Technique?
One of the most credited study methods—specifically used in STEM-related subjects is the Feynman technique. Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, originally developed a recipe for success, making true understanding possible for all types of learners. Studying should be rigorous, but not anxiety inducing, which is why understanding complex topics can be broken down into a four-step process.
- Choose a specific topic to learn
- Teach it to someone else
- Go back to original material and find errors
- simplify and refine concepts for better understanding.
While the Feynman technique itself may seem difficult, it allows for a simpler breakdown of material, and more information is able to be retained. This process is applicable to any type of learner, but those who benefit the most are people who process information at a slower pace, (ADHD, ASD, or Dyslexia). When selecting a specific topic, whether it be assigned by a professor, or chosen by hand, making a list of key concepts to focus on is necessary for fully understanding the given material. The Feynman Technique uses active learning, and transforms what were originally complex words on paper, into long term memory through explanation, and knowledge gaps.
Teaching is not the same as speaking to someone. It is, “the deliberate process of imparting knowledge, skills, and attitudes to others to promote their learning and development” (Morrison). By explaining concepts, it not only educates others, but forces your brain to process the material. Teaching is one of the best forms of retaining information because weaknesses in understanding, and correlation between subtopics are pointed out, which allows for simplification, as well as refinement.
The Feynman technique, which uses a four step process to deeply analyze information is crucial for success, not only in the classroom, but doing anything, anywhere, anytime. By allowing yourself to deeply learn, this effective study habit will cause a large increase in grades— not to say that hard work will not be required though. In the end, this technique helps you truly grasp difficult ideas, making learning clearer, more effective, and easier to apply.
