Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, developed an effective learning algorithm that helps to master any topic more quickly and deeply.
Previously, I was not particularly successful in my studies. I believed that the key factor was the time spent studying. However, later I came across a concept that changed my understanding of the learning process.
Feynman noticed that there is a difference between "knowing about a subject" and "knowing the term." This realization became one of the reasons for his outstanding achievements.
He developed a method that allows for a deeper understanding of subjects. This approach, known as the "Feynman Method," can be applied to any subject matter. It doesn't matter what it's about; the method is universal and remarkably simple.
It is not only an effective way of learning but also an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective.
Let's take a closer look at this method.
The Feynman Method consists of three main steps.
Step 1. Explain it to a child
Start with a blank slate and write down what you want to learn. Imagine you are explaining it to an eight-year-old child. Avoid complex words or professional jargon; focus on simple and understandable terms.
Many people, when faced with misunderstanding, resort to complicated formulations, trying to hide their gaps in knowledge. By writing down your thoughts in simple words, you not only help yourself better understand the essence but also find it easier to establish connections between concepts. This will give you a clear idea of your knowledge gaps, which is a great motivation for further learning.
Step 2. Test your knowledge
In the first step, you will likely discover gaps in your knowledge: perhaps you have forgotten important aspects or failed to connect key ideas. This is an important moment, as you begin to realize the limits of your knowledge. Understanding your weak points is the first step to overcoming them. Go back to the materials and study them again until you can explain the subject in simple terms.
This will help you avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of successfully applying your knowledge.
Step 3. Organize and simplify
Now you have your notes. Review them and make sure there are no complex terms. Form a simple narrative from them and read it aloud. If your explanation seems complicated or unnatural, this indicates the need for further work on the topic.
Step 4 (optional): Share your knowledge
To ensure your understanding, explain the subject to someone else, preferably someone who knows little about it. The ability to convey your knowledge to another person is the best way to test your understanding of the topic.
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