Richard Feynman (1917-198). A writer, extraordinary teacher, philosopher, physicist. Feynman has a remarkable strategy for learning something. Which we can call the ‘Feynman technique of Learning.’
One day Richard Feynman and his father were walking through the jungle. His father showed him a bird and said, “This is a brown throat thrush. In German, it is called Halgenfugel; in Chinese, it is called Chung Ling, and in other languages, it is called by whatever name it is called. If you know the name of the bird in all the languages of the world, you know nothing; you don’t know anything about the bird.
Feynman learned that there is a big difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something about it. Just knowing the name does not increase knowledge.
Knowing the object rather than just the name of something is an integral part of the Feynman formula, which we will learn in this article today.
What’s in the Feynman Technique?
The four steps of learning are mentioned in the Feynman Technique.
- Choose what you want to learn. Know, understand.
- Now suppose you are teaching the subject to someone of 10/12 years old.
- Identify gaps where you are stuck when explaining or writing. Go back to the places you were learning from. Read well again. Try to understand.
- Now, review. Make it easier.
Now, let me explain.
We can divide knowledge into two parts. One kind of knowledge is to know the name of something. The second is to know about something means to understand or comprehend it. Many of us make mistakes. We focus more on learning the name than knowing or understanding the subject.
Feynman understood the difference between knowing something and knowing its name. And this is one of the main reasons for his success.
How to use the Feynman Technique?
Step 1: Teach the subject to a child.
Take a white paper or a notebook. Write above what you want to learn.
Now write down everything you know about the subject. The language of writing will be as if you are teaching it to a child. Let a 12-year-old student understand, not an older friend.
We often use harsh and incomprehensible language in writing because we do not understand something well. But when you want to present something in a way that children understand, you are pushing yourself to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the subject and deliver it simply.
In this case, it will be easier for you to present some issues, which you have learned or perceived well. Again, you have to deal with some problems. There is a weakness in your understanding of these points.
Step 2: Review
When you encounter weaknesses in your knowledge where you forget something essential or cannot explain it; Then you can start learning. Feel the urge to learn.
Now that you know where you are stuck, go back to the book or source you learned. Re-learn the key points until you can explain them well. Only when you can explain things in simple language without terminology can you assume that you understand.
If you can identify your knowledge and understanding limits, mistakes will be reduced when you use the inside. At the same time, the chances of success will increase.
Step 3: Tidy up and make it easy.
Now you have handmade notes in front of you. Review it. See if you have used any jargon or technical terms by mistake. Write them in your language and read them aloud. If the description is not easy or confusing, it may indicate that you need to do more.
If you follow this procedure repeatedly, you will see at the end of the year what level your circle of acquaintances has reached.
If you really want to make sure that it’s understandable, explain it to someone. In this case, find someone 12 years old. The ultimate test of your knowledge is to acquire the ability to understand others.
Feynman Technique is not just about learning; it will open the window to think differently about anything. At the same time, you can reconstruct the thoughts from within.
If someone starts using obscure words during a conversation, tell them – explain to me like a 12-year-old. It will not only increase your knowledge but also make them realize what they are saying.