What is the Feynman Technique: The Simple Way to Learn Anything

What is the Feynman Technique?

The Feynman Technique is a simple but powerful learning method named after Richard Feynman, a famous physicist known for explaining complicated ideas in easy-to-understand ways. The basic idea is: if you can't explain something in simple terms, you don't really understand it.

This technique helps you learn anything deeply by forcing you to simplify it. When you can explain a complex idea to someone who knows nothing about it, you've truly mastered that topic.

How to Use the Feynman Technique: 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Study It

First, pick what you want to learn. Read about it, watch videos, or listen to lectures. Take notes using your own words, not just copying what you read.

Step 2: Explain It Simply

Pretend you're teaching the topic to a child or someone who has no background knowledge. Use plain language and avoid technical terms. If you can't explain something without using complicated words, you probably don't understand it well enough yet.

For example, instead of saying "Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy," you might say "Plants make their own food using sunlight, water, and air."

Step 3: Identify Gaps in Your Understanding

When you try to explain something simply, you'll quickly notice where you get stuck or confused. These are the parts you don't fully understand. Make note of these gaps.

Step 4: Review and Simplify Further

Go back to your sources and focus on the areas where you struggled. Then try explaining again, making your explanation even simpler. Keep repeating this process until you can explain the entire topic clearly and simply.

Why the Feynman Technique Works So Well

It Prevents "Illusion of Knowledge"

Many people think they understand something because they recognize the words or can repeat definitions. The Feynman Technique forces you to prove your understanding by explaining concepts in your own simple words.

It Makes Learning Active, Not Passive

Instead of just reading or listening, you're actively processing information and creating your own explanations. This helps move knowledge from short-term to long-term memory.

It Builds Stronger Neural Connections

When you simplify complex ideas, your brain creates stronger connections between concepts, making the information easier to remember and use later.

Real-Life Examples of the Feynman Technique

In School

A student struggling with math might try to explain how to solve an equation to an imaginary younger sibling, using simple words and drawings instead of formulas.

At Work

A software developer could explain a complex programming concept to a non-technical coworker, forcing them to break down technical jargon into everyday language.

For Personal Learning

Someone learning a new language might try to explain grammar rules to themselves using simple examples and comparisons to their native language.

Tips for Getting the Most from the Feynman Technique

1. Actually speak out loud - Don't just think through your explanation. Speaking activates different parts of your brain.

2. Use analogies and examples - Compare new concepts to things you already understand.

3. Draw simple pictures - Visual aids can help simplify complex ideas.

4. Be patient with yourself - It's normal to struggle at first. The struggle is where the learning happens.

5. Teach real people when possible - While imaginary students work, explaining to real people gives you immediate feedback on how clear your explanation is.

How TutorAI Uses the Feynman Technique

At TutorAI, we've built the Feynman Technique directly into our learning platform. When you're studying with TutorAI:

1. You can ask the AI to explain any concept in simpler terms
2. The app will ask you to explain concepts back in your own words
3. TutorAI identifies gaps in your understanding and helps you fill them
4. You can practice explaining ideas at different levels of simplicity

This approach helps you build true understanding, not just memorization.

Start Using the Feynman Technique Today

The beauty of the Feynman Technique is that you can start using it right now, with any topic you're learning. You don't need special tools or resources—just the willingness to simplify and explain.

Next time you're studying something new, don't just highlight or reread. Instead, close your book and try explaining what you've learned as if you're teaching it to someone who knows nothing about the subject. Your understanding will improve dramatically, and you'll remember the information much longer.

Remember: if you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough yet!