HOW FEYNMAN TECHNIQUE CAN HELP TEACHERS & STUDENTS?

Teaching and learning go hand in hand.

Whether you are a teacher or a student, you need to learn various things throughout your life.

But, one of the most important things while learning is “Simplicity”!

This is what a teacher and a student need to understand. Both should have clarity in their thoughts while explaining them to someone.

No matter how experienced you are or how many things do you know? But, the most important thing is that you should be able to express your thoughts in simple language to some other individual.

While giving a lecture in a class, you might have observed a scenario where you have given every bit of information to the students. But, still, they are unable to make out the things delivered to them.

One of the possible reasons behind it might be the jargon or the complex language used to deliver the lecture.

This is where Feynman Technique comes to the rescue.

What is Feynman Technique?

Richard Feynman was a famous physicist who gave the idea that jargon, vague words, and complex delivery of words showcase the lack of understanding.

He believed that there is a great difference between knowing something and understanding something.

If you want to succeed in your life then knowing things won't help you in the long run. You need to understand things and see the magic that spreads around you.

Feynman technique is a four-step procedure that you can follow to see the changes around you.

Steps to use Feynman Technique

Step 1: Chose a concept to learn

If you are a teacher and you want to deliver a lecture in the class the very next day, then choose the topic you will deliver.

Take a sheet of paper and write every question that you might ask as a student when this topic is told to you for the first time. This will act as a foundation stone to the enhanced learning process.

On the other hand, if you are a student take out the topic that you want to have a deep understanding about. Write everything you know about the topic on a sheet of paper.

For instance, you want to learn more about the Pythagoras theorem. Then write everything that you know about it.

As soon as you start learning the concept, keep on adding more information to the sheet.

With this, you got a strong command to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Explain it to a 12-year old

Once you are done with enough learning of the concept, then try to explain the topic to a 12-year old kid.

Take your sheet as a reference and see whether you can explain the topic well without using any complex words.

If you find any jargon in your sheet, try to remove them with simple alternatives.

This will make you feel more confident about your explanations.

Jargons are indicative of a lack of understanding.

For instance, you tried very hard to remove the jargon and you were able to delete many. But, you still have some complex words in your sheet that might not seem to be jargon for you.

So, what to do in this instance?

Need not panic!!

Take another sheet of paper and try writing whatever you learned in your own words.

When you start writing everything from the scratch then you not only understand your thought process in a better fashion. But, you are also able to understand the areas where you struggle while writing or thinking about the topic.

This will help to enhance your knowledge and fill out the gaps that will hinder your learning.

Step 3: Reflect, Refine, and Simplify

When you get the ability to explain the concepts with 100% simplicity then you have crystal clear clarity about the topic.

But, you must be wondering how can I reflect upon myself?

So, one of the best ways is to take out the sheet that you were previously maintaining for writing about the topic.

Read aloud from the sheet just like a small kid. If at all it seems confusing then relook upon it and try to simplify it.

Make the best refined and simplified version of your notes.

This will make the concept not only crystal clear in your mind. But, you also know how you will explain it to someone.

Step 4: Organize and Review

By now, you have done a lot of introspection with your inner self to come up with a simplified version of your notes.

Now, what’s next?

Here comes the validity!!

You need to test your understanding in the real world.

Have a companion to whom you will explain the entire topic.

And now, they will act as your mentor to tell you how good was your explanation. See what questions they ask? Also, keep a tab on the areas where you find difficulty or got confused.

This will help you have a review of your understanding and you will perform well.

We have come to an end with this technique!!

But, one of the questions that you still want an answer to is whether it will work for students?

It’s a big YES!!

This technique is meant for learning and it is for everyone out there who has an urge to learn with a deep understanding.

Always remember one thing 'Simple is Beautiful!'

Conclusion

Feynman technique is one of the most innovative and interesting learning techniques that is surely going to bind you for a long time.

In the first place, you will find it a bit difficult to connect the dots and come up with the best and the most simplified explanation of the content.

But, as soon as you get a command over it, there is no going back.

You will not only find this technique helpful but you will enjoy the entire process that you follow.

It will make learning a fun experience for you.

So, without wasting your time trying to implement this technique in the real scenario.

And do write us in the comment section below what you feel about this technique after using it for a while!!