SELF-REGULATED LEARNING SKILL FOR JUNE: The Feynman Technique-The Power of Simplifying Complex Topics

The Feynman Technique is an effective way to test your understanding of a topic and learn it more deeply, developed by physicist Richard Feynman. The basic principle is to be able to explain the topic in simple terms, as if you were explaining it to a child.

How to Apply the Feynman Technique?

1) Choose a Topic: You can choose any topic you want to learn. This could be a mathematical theorem, a scientific concept, or a skill from everyday life.
2) Explain the Topic in Your Own Words: Take a paper and pen and write down the topic as if you were explaining it to a child or someone unfamiliar with the subject. Replace complex terms and jargon with simple words.
3) Identify the Points You Don't Understand: As you explain, make a note of the points where you get stuck or have difficulty. These points indicate your knowledge gaps that require more study and research.
4) Fill in the Gaps: Review the points you didn't understand and use additional resources to fill in the knowledge gaps. If necessary, try to explain the topic in a simpler way.
5) Review Your Simplified Explanation: Review the topic again and make sure your explanation is still clear and understandable. Add additional explanations or examples if necessary.
6) Repeat the Technique: Repeat the Feynman Technique on different topics and skills. The more you use this technique, the more you will develop your ability to understand and explain complex concepts.

Benefits of the Feynman Technique:

Deeper learning: The Feynman Technique encourages active learning rather than passive reading or listening. This allows for better comprehension and retention of information.
Identifying knowledge gaps: The points where you struggle to explain indicate your knowledge gaps and areas that require further study.
Developing critical thinking skills: The Feynman Technique requires you to analyze a topic from different perspectives and identify the most important points. This helps you develop your critical thinking skills.
Increase your mastery of the subject: The ability to teach a topic to someone else shows how well you have mastered it. The Feynman Technique helps you develop and reinforce this mastery.