Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics, developed a teaching method that allows people to master any subject more deeply and quickly.
I previously did not consider myself a successful student, believing that simply dedicating a lot of time to studying was enough for success. However, later I discovered a method that radically changed my approach to learning.
Feynman noticed an important difference between simply "knowing something" and "knowing what it is called" — this realization became one of the keys to his success.
The method he created, known as the "Feynman Method," provides the opportunity to study any topic more effectively. It is universal, and regardless of what you want to master, this approach is suitable for all cases. Its simplicity is astonishing.
Moreover, it is not just a learning method, but a whole new way of perceiving information.
Let me tell you more about the method.
The Feynman Method consists of three stages.
Stage 1. Explain it to a Child
Start with a blank page and write down what exactly you want to study. Explain it as if you were telling it to an eight-year-old child, using simple words and concepts. Do not try to speak to an adult or a smart friend — your interlocutor should be at the level of understanding basic ideas.
Many of us, when faced with the unfamiliar, often use complex terms and professional jargon to hide our own gaps in knowledge. However, this only complicates understanding. By writing down your thoughts in simple language, you will be able to better grasp the essence and simplify the connections between concepts. This way, you can identify areas that require further study, which is an important step in learning.
Stage 2. Repeat the Process
In the first stage, you will likely encounter shortcomings in your knowledge: something may be missing, or you may not be able to explain certain points. This is normal — you have just discovered the limits of your knowledge, and this is important. Understanding your limitations is the first step to learning. Go back to the materials and study them again until you can explain everything in simple words.
Identifying these limits helps avoid common mistakes and increases the chances of successfully applying knowledge.
Stage 3. Organize and Simplify
Now that you have your notes, review them for complex terms. Try to create a simple and logical narrative from them. Read it aloud — if the text seems complicated or absurd, it means that your knowledge still needs refinement.
Stage 4 (Optional): Share Your Knowledge
To ensure that you truly understand the topic, try to explain it to someone else (especially useful if it’s someone without training in the field, like a child). Your ability to convey information to another is one of the best tests of your level of knowledge.
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