If you’re a fan of the sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” you probably are familiar with Richard Feynman. Sheldon Cooper, the protagonist of the show is a fanboy of Richard Feynman, and considers him as one of the most accomplished and respected theoretical physicists, along with Einstein and Hawking. Feynman introduced the concept of nanotechnology and won the Nobel Prize for Physics for his extraordinary contributions to particle physics.
However, Feynman’s legacy goes beyond the world of physics. One of his biggest accomplishments was his ability to explain complex subjects in easy-to-understand terms. This superpower got him the nickname “The great explainer.”
Feynman believed that one needs to think critically and deeply to understand the subject. He believed that “To understand anything, you need to explain it simply without using complicated jargon, technical terms or complex ideologies.” He developed a study technique that was later known as the Feynman Technique.
It doesn’t matter which subject you’re learning; you can use the Feynman technique to improve your study habits and learn effectively. Here are the four simple steps to follow:
Start by choosing a topic that you want to learn. Dedicate around one to three hours of concentrated study, depending on the complexity of the topic. Next, take a blank sheet of paper or use your notebook to write the subject at the top of the page.
Write down how you would explain the topic to someone unfamiliar with it. You can consider explaining it to a 10-year-old. By presenting the concept in simple terms, you can quickly identify areas that you understand well. You can also determine your problem areas, as you’ll find it challenging to explain these topics in simple terms. This forces your brain to gain a deeper understanding of the topic and identify connections between different concepts.
If you’re struggling to explain a particular concept, it’s time to revise it. Go back to your textbooks and notes until you’re confident that you can present these topics clearly in simple terms. This step challenges you to learn the material deeply and gain complete knowledge of the topic.
When you’re struggling to explain a particular concept using simple terms, you can try to use analogies to illustrate your point. For example, if you’re learning the concept of oxygen being transported by the blood vessels, you can explain how they are similar to roads that transport cars. This helps you process the information from a different angle, reinforcing your concept knowledge.
Studying college lessons can be quite challenging. However, the Feynman Technique can help you quickly learn complex concepts, helping you broaden your knowledge and understanding and improve your scores in an upcoming exam.
If you’re struggling to complete your college assignments and homework on time, you can hire online class takers and request, “Can you take my online class?” These services connect you with subject experts who complete your assignments and projects on your behalf, helping you improve your academic performance.