Have you ever read a chapter, nodded along, and then—when someone asked you to explain it—your brain went completely blank? I’ve been there too. That’s exactly the problem Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, wanted to solve. His method, now called the Feynman Technique, is all about explaining things so simply that even a child could understand them.
So, what is the Feynman Technique? In short, if you can explain it simply, you actually understand it. If you can’t, you need to go back and learn more.
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Why This Method Works So Well
Richard Feynman wasn’t just a genius physicist—he was also known as “The Great Explainer.” He had a knack for turning complicated science into everyday language. And that’s the secret.
When you try to teach something in simple words, you quickly notice where your knowledge is shaky. Psychologists even have a name for this—the protégé effect. Research shows students who teach others remember almost 90% more compared to just reading silently. That’s huge!
The Four Steps of the Feynman Technique
You don’t need fancy tools for this. Just a notebook and some curiosity.
1. Pick a Topic
Choose what you want to learn. Maybe it’s how photosynthesis works, or maybe it’s Bitcoin.
2. Explain It Like You’re Teaching a Child
Write it down in plain, everyday words. Imagine you’re explaining it to your little cousin.
3. Spot the Gaps
When you hit a point where you stumble, that’s a clue. Go back to your notes or textbook and patch the hole.
4. Simplify and Use Analogies
Now make it even simpler. Use stories, drawings, or analogies. For example, one student I know explained DNA replication as “a recipe being photocopied in a kitchen.” Not perfect—but memorable.
How to Use the Feynman Technique for Studying
The Feynman Technique for studying is a game-changer for students. Instead of rereading notes over and over, you’re actively engaging with the material.
👉 A medical student I interviewed once told me she practiced explaining anatomy concepts to her younger brother. At first, he laughed and said, “That doesn’t make sense.” But those moments showed her exactly what to review. She later scored 20% higher than her last exam.
👉 Another study published in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology found that students who explained topics to someone else retained 30% more information than those who studied alone.
That’s why this technique is so effective—it transforms studying into teaching.
Quick Tips to Make It Work
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Talk out loud. Don’t just think it—say it.
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Use sticky notes. Write simplified explanations and stick them around your desk.
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Teach a friend. Or if no one’s around, teach your pet or record yourself.
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Repeat often. The more you review and explain, the stronger your memory.
Expert Voices
Dr. Barbara Oakley, author of A Mind for Numbers, puts it nicely: “When you simplify a concept, you’re actually rewiring your brain for deeper understanding.” That’s the essence of the Feynman Technique.
FAQs About the Feynman Technique
Q1: What is the Feynman Technique in simple words?
It’s a way of learning by explaining things in plain language to test your understanding.
Q2: Is the Feynman Technique good for studying?
Yes, because it makes you identify what you don’t know and helps you remember longer.
Q3: Can I use this method for any subject?
Absolutely! From math to philosophy, it works everywhere.
Q4: Who created the Feynman Technique?
Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, developed it.
Conclusion
So, what is the Feynman Technique? It’s not just another study hack. It’s a proven way to truly understand and own knowledge by explaining it simply. Whether you’re prepping for exams or learning a new skill, this method helps you identify what you know—and what you don’t.
👉 Try it today: pick a topic, explain it like you’re teaching a child, and see how much more you retain.
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