You’ve just received back a piece of work from your teacher, and it’s covered in question marks. It seemed crystal clear to you when you wrote it, or at least that’s what you thought. But now, upon reflection, maybe it doesn’t make as much sense as you initially believed. Perhaps you used some words that you didn’t fully grasp, hoping to appear knowledgeable. And maybe you didn’t completely understand the concepts and attempted to hide behind the complex vocabulary. However, no matter how much you try to conceal it, when someone else reads your work, it becomes evident whether or not you truly comprehend the subject matter.

So, how can we improve our writing, making it more readable and demonstrating our genuine understanding? One effective technique is the Feynman technique. Developed by Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, this method helps simplify complex principles into understandable language.

The Feynman Technique: Four Steps to Mastery

Step 1: Identify the Concept

Choose a challenging concept you need to explain. For example, let’s take “supply and demand” in economics. Understanding this concept is crucial because it helps us comprehend price determination and market functions.

Step 2: Explain in Simple Terms

Imagine you’re teaching this concept to a 15-year-old. Use plain, straightforward language, breaking down complex ideas into smaller parts. For “supply and demand,” explain it as the relationship between how much of something is available (supply) and how much people want it (demand). Use relatable examples and analogies to bring the concept to life.

Step 3: Review and Refine

Review your explanation. Identify areas where you lack understanding or where your explanation is weak. Revisit your notes and textbooks to fill in gaps and refine your understanding. This is similar to using blank page recall to identify and address gaps in your knowledge.

Step 4: Simplify Further

Check your explanation for complex terms that a 15-year-old might not understand. Rewrite these terms in simpler language. Use visual aids, diagrams, or illustrations to enhance understanding. Challenge yourself to make the explanation accessible to a 10-year-old and then a 5-year-old, using concrete examples and engaging their imagination. This can be further enhanced by turning text into diagrams for better visual representation.

Applying the Technique: An Example

Concept: Supply and Demand

Identify: Explain “supply and demand” in economics.

Explain Simply: Supply is how much of something is available. Demand is how much people want it. When demand is high and supply is low, prices go up. When supply is high and demand is low, prices go down.

Review: Ensure all key points are covered and the language is clear.

Simplify Further: Use examples like the price of ice cream on a hot day (high demand, low supply = high prices) versus a cold day (low demand, high supply = low prices).

Why This Technique Works

The Feynman technique forces you to engage with the material actively, breaking it down into simpler terms and identifying gaps in your knowledge. This process enhances your understanding and improves your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

Practice Makes Perfect

Effective communication is a skill that extends beyond exams. Whether writing essays, presenting ideas, or explaining concepts, the ability to convey information clearly and succinctly is invaluable. Set aside 10 minutes and give the Feynman technique a try. With practice, you’ll become a skilled communicator, able to share your knowledge and understanding with ease.

Conclusion

Embrace the Feynman technique to transform your understanding and communication of complex concepts. By simplifying and teaching these ideas, you’ll gain deeper insights and improve your ability to convey your knowledge effectively. Practice regularly, and you’ll see significant improvements in your work and exam performance.

For more study strategies, check out other posts in our series:

  • Cue Card (Lichter System)
  • Blank Page Recall
  • Turn Text into Diagrams
  • Spaced Repetition
  • One Page Summary
  • Who What When Where Why How Tables
  • Teach Someone Else
  • Exam Questions
  • Create a Bound Reference
  • Practice Exams

 

Post by Study Coach – Megan Ross

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