The Feynman technique is a mental model named after the late Richard Feynman, renowned physicist and educator.
This technique is designed to help you learn pretty much anything; understand concepts you don't really get, remember stuff you have already learned, or study more efficiently.
Feynman's technique is boiled down to a collection of simple instructions.
Step 1
Write the name of the concept at the top of a blank piece of paper.
Step 2
Write down an explanation of the concept on the page. Use plain English.
Pretend you are teaching it to someone else (e.g a new student). This should highlight what you understand, but more importantly pinpoint what you don't quite know.
Step 3
Review what you have pinpointed you don't know. Go back to the source material, re-read, and re-learn it. Repeat Step 2.
Step 4
If you are using overly wordy or confusing language (or simply paraphrasing the source material) try again so you filter the content. Simplify your language, and where possible use simple analogy.
The Feynman Technique: A simple and powerful technique to ensure you can rapidly learn and retain new concepts and information.
