Feynman was a brilliant physicist who won the Nobel Prize in quantum electrodynamics in 1965. It was he who introduced the concept of nanotechnology. Richard Feynman taught at Cornell University and California Institute of Technology and was an excellent lecturer. He always came up with different ways to convey his knowledge to students in the simplest possible way. For example, he created diagrams that used to reveal to the audience the concept of subatomic particles. Feynman was rightly called the “great explainer” —he spoke complex things in very simple terms that even a child could understand.
He was constantly studying himself and didn't leave the equation alone until it became intuitive in his head. Feynman was also famous for his habit of asking his colleagues questions — this is how he checked how well they were in a particular field.
Two approaches to training
Feynman believed there were two ways to learn something. The first is to learn what it's called and remember it.
The second way is to understand fundamental principles, i.e. to study a concept, phenomenon or concept in depth.
The second method of learning, according to Feynman, leads to true knowledge, in which case we do not just memorize incomprehensible information, but grasp the essence.
What is Feynman's method?
The meaning of the technique is very simple: if you want to understand something, explain it.
The scientist offers a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will create a deep understanding in any field of science.
Step 1
Write on a blank piece of paper the topic you need to study. This could be anything from a historical event to a scientific principle. Take notes on a topic while explaining it out loud in simple words, as if you're teaching a child. Add examples and make sure you know how to put theory into practice.
Step 2
Identify places where you're confused. Go back to the material and repeat it. If necessary, ask questions to experts and watch additional lectures. Don't fool yourself! Make sure you really understand what you're talking about.
Step 3
Review your explanation of the topic again and find difficult terms and obscure expressions. Rephrase and replace them with simple analogies and comparisons so that even a kid can understand you.
Why does it make sense to use this technique?
- Explaining it out loud helps improve understanding in any field.
- Teaching others is the best test of your own knowledge.
- This technique saves time －it quickly becomes clear where you know the material at the highest level and where your knowledge is “sagging”.
Does Feynman's method work?
An interesting study related to the Feynman method was conducted at one of the universities. Two groups of students were asked to prepare short training lectures for their fellow students.
However, only the first group got a chance to perform in front of an audience. The materials of the second group were not presented to students.
Now guess which of the “lecturers” understood and memorized the material better? The answer is obvious — young people from the first group, who had the opportunity to teach others, passed the test on this topic better than the students from the second group, whose lectures remained in their notebooks.
So Richard Feynman's technique really works!
