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Have you ever closed a textbook after hours of studying, only to realize you can't explain what you just read? You're not alone. Most of us have been learning the wrong way our entire lives. And the school teacher won't teach for a simple reason (I'll share more later).
The Secret Learning Method of a Physics Genius
Richard Feynman wasn't just another Nobel Prize-winning physicist. He was a legendary educator who discovered something profound about learning:
"if you can't explain a concept in simple terms, you don't really understand it"
This insight led to the development of what we now call "The Feynman Technique" – possibly the most effective learning method ever created. What makes it so powerful? It ruthlessly exposes the gaps in your knowledge and forces you to confront them. At Gets Education, this approach is widely embraced by all partner tutors to ensure that all students, including adult learners, are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to face their fears.
Why This Method Works When Others Fail
The Feynman Technique works because it aligns perfectly with how our brains form lasting memories. When we actively process information (when preparing to teach), we create stronger neural connections than when passively consuming content (reading in the mind).
Research consistently shows that teaching others is one of the most effective ways to learn. When you teach, you don't just recall information; you organize and simplify it, which reinforces your memory and understanding. That also explains some of our senior class tutees are getting involved in coaching work. It not only helps them solidify their knowledge but also creates a mutually beneficial experience for everyone involved. A true win-win situation!
Output Matters More Than Input
Think about this: Who learns more – someone who reads three books per month and can effectively explain the concept learn, or someone who reads ten books but struggles to articulate their content?
Learning is like a sport that relies on muscle memory. Inputs (reading, thinking) matter far less than outputs (explaining, writing, speaking). Your brain registers the synchronization of inputs and outputs as deeply satisfying events.
As one of our tutor humorously put it:
"You can always go down to the local schoolyard, gather some five-year-olds around you and explain difficult concepts you're trying to learn yourself. See if you can get them to understand. Just be sure to wear good running shoes."
The Four Steps That Will Change How You Learn Forever
Step 1: Choose a concept to learn
Start with a blank sheet of paper and write down everything you already know about your chosen topic. Use a different colored pen to add new information as you learn. This visual representation lets you literally watch your knowledge grow. For example, if you're learning about Accounting, jot down all the facts you already know about how debit and credit balance a balance sheet. Don't worry about structure – just get it all out.
Step 2: Teach it to a child
This is where the magic happens. Can you explain your concept to a 12-year-old? Strip away all jargon and complexity. Use only words a child would understand. Instead of saying "Capital items refer to expenditures that provide long-term benefits, while revenue items pertain to the daily operations that generate income", try: "Capital is like the root of a plant while revenue item is like the fruits". Remember: If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
Step 3: Review and refine
Write down your simplified explanation. The act of writing (output) forces you to organize your thoughts and reveals flaws in your reasoning. Clear writing gives poor thinking nowhere to hide. Read your explanation aloud (output). Does it sound confusing? Are you using terms that need further explanation? These are clues that you need to revisit the source material and strengthen your understanding. This step often requires multiple iterations. Don't rush it! This is where real learning happens.
Step 4: Organize and review
Test your understanding by explaining the concept to someone else (e.g. colleague, your kids, classmates). What questions do they ask? Where do they get confused? Use this feedback to refine your explanation further. Once you're satisfied with your understanding, file your simple explanation in a binder. Do this for everything you learn, and you'll build a personalized knowledge repository you can review periodically.
Real-World Applications
The Feynman Technique isn't just for academic learning. It works for:
- Students: Instead of mindlessly highlighting textbooks, explain each concept as if teaching a friend who knows nothing about the subject.
- Professionals: When learning new skills or understanding complex business processes, break them down into simple explanations.
- Parents: Use this method to give clear explanations when your children ask questions, deepening your own understanding in the process.
Challenges: Lack of feedback in a traditional school enviroment.
When learning alone or in large classes, it can be challenging to determine if your explanations are truly clear and accurate. Additionally, student study groups are uncommon in Singapore schools. What can you do? Seek out a willing listener; even someone without a background in the subject can be a valuable partner. In a formal class setting, classmates may not be the best for advanced learning since both are taught under the same class. If no one is available, consider recording yourself explaining the concept and then listen back critically to assess your clarity.
Start Using This Technique Today
Choose one concept you want to learn better. Follow the four steps of the Feynman Technique. You'll be amazed at how this simple process can radically transform your learning efficiency and depth of understanding.
Gets Education Quote:
Real understanding isn't about memorizing terms or definitions. It's about being able to explain concepts clearly in your own words. If you can't explain it simply, you don't truly understand it.
Your child's learning journey deserves better tools. The Feynman Technique might be the most powerful one they'll ever discover.