As an educational specialist, the most common “study method” I hear students using is simply rewriting their textbook but making it look pretty or Pinterest-worthy. But let’s be real—rewriting notes over and over feels productive, but is it actually helping you learn? Probably not. If you want to really understand something (and make it stick), you need a better approach. Introducing… The Feynman Technique: Stop Rewriting Notes!
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What is the Feynman Technique?
The Feynman Technique is a powerful study skill method where you explain a concept in simple terms as if you’re teaching it to a child (and no, I’m not talking about Young Sheldon!). By breaking down complex ideas this way, you’ll spot any gaps in your understanding, helping you refine and solidify your knowledge.
Feynman Technique Example
Let’s say you’re learning about photosynthesis. To teach a child, you might say: “Plants make food from sunlight. They take in light, water, and air, and use them to make something called sugar, which helps them grow.” If the child asks, “Why do they need the sugar?” and you can’t answer, it shows you need to investigate how the process works and improve your understanding.
How to Use the Feynman Technique
This straightforward four-step method pushes you to actively engage with the material, identify any gaps in your understanding, and truly learn the concept—rather than just memorising words. I’ve broken it down for you in an easy-to-follow way, so you can put it into action and start seeing results right away.
Step 1: Teach it to a child
Pick a topic and explain it as if you’re talking to a child or someone who has zero background knowledge. You can write it down, say it out loud, or teach a friend. If you start using fancy terms and jargon, stop. A child wouldn’t get that, so break it down into simple words.
Step 2: Identify knowledge gaps
While explaining, you’ll probably hit a point where you get stuck. Maybe you realise you don’t really understand something, or you can’t answer a “why” question. That’s your knowledge gap—go back and study that part again.
Step 3: Simplify & clarify
Rewrite your explanation, making it as simple and clear as possible. Avoid big words or complicated sentences. The goal? If someone else reads or hears it, they should get it instantly.
Step 4: Review & repeat
Go through the process again, refining your explanation until it’s easy to understand and 100% accurate. If you can explain it in simple terms without hesitation, you know it.
Why It Works
The Feynman Technique forces you to engage with the material in a way that passive studying (like re-reading or highlighting) just doesn’t. When you teach something, your brain actively processes and organises the information—making it easier to recall later.
So next time you’re studying, skip the endless note-taking and try this method instead. You’ll be surprised how much deeper your understanding goes! If you need a bit more help putting this into action or would like to learn more study techniques, book a study skills course with me.
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Testimonials
Student 1: Liam, Grade 10
“The Feynman Technique made studying so much easier. I always struggled with remembering concepts, but breaking them down and teaching them to myself really helped me understand the material better. It’s not just memorising—it’s actually learning!”
Student 2: Zoe, Grade 12
“I love how simple and effective the Feynman Technique is! It helped me spot the gaps in my knowledge that I didn’t even realise were there. Explaining concepts in my own words made me feel so much more confident for my exams.”
Student 3: Ethan, University student
“I wish I had discovered this technique earlier! It helped me with my toughest subjects. Instead of just reading the textbook over and over, I explained it to myself like I was teaching someone else, and it clicked so much better.”
Student 4: Maya, Grade 9
“This method totally changed the way I study. It’s like a lightbulb moment every time I simplify a topic and find the parts I don’t get. I feel way more in control of my learning now!”
Student 5: Jordan, IGCSE
“The Feynman Technique really made me rethink how I study. I used to just memorise things for tests, but now I understand everything so much better. It’s the perfect way to really learn and not just cram.”
