How to Study More Effectively | Feynman Technique

Study smarter and study less with the Feynman Technique. The Feynman technique is particularly effective at helping you master difficult concepts. Named after the Nobel Prize winning Richard Feynman, the concept focuses on explaining a difficult concept in easy to understand language as if you were explaining it to someone else (or a child). By following the Feynman technique, I will show you how to learn difficult concepts quickly, spend less time studying, and remember concepts longer.
Other videos I mentioned:
Anki Flashcard Basics: • How to Use Anki Effect...
Group Studying, How I wish I used to Study in College: • Pre-Med Study Strategi...
Memorization tips and tricks: • Memorization | Memory ...
Test Taking Tips: • 5 Test Day Secrets to ...
The four steps are as follows:
1. Write the concept down
2. Explain it using simple language
3. Address (look up) problematic areas or questions that remain
4. Challenge yourself to simplify it further
I have found this to be a powerful concept that helps you cut study time shortly. I like mixing it up and adding group studying, which worked well for me. As always, figure out what works best for you!
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[@MeNumber47]

Nobody ever actually showed me how to study. They just said, "Get good grades or else!" I actually really appreciate these. Thank you.

[@MedSchoolInsiders]

You're most welcome! Best of luck

[@AycheYSM]

I was an ordinary person who studied hard.” - Richard Feynman

[@MrCmon113]

YourStudyMate It seemed like this to himself, because he didn't know how it is like to be less intelligent.

[@js2156]

I would argue that the reason behind that is if someone is intelligent, they can fall into the trap of not working as hard as their less intelligent peers and as such not achieve the level that those who work hard do. Being intelligent helps, but only if you work hard.

[@rahuldey66]

Clara Cardoso

[@tullochgorum6323]

The best people are always insecure about their talent - that's what drives them to improve. For example Heifetz was probably the best violinist of the modern era, but was deeply insecure about his talent, insecurity that drove his ferocious work ethic. People who are smug about their inbuilt gifts can become complacent and lazy. With Feynman, talent and drive came together with sparkling results...

[@rebeccamardis8772]

Feynman was a LEGEND.

[@frywolf1817]

This is one amazing way to study. My personal strategy is: to cram every piece of information into a word document, then put little images for concepts I don't understand. Then overtime I take out small bits of the info as I understand it more. At the time of exams, I would have taken 500 pages of study notes and condensed it into an extremely high-yield 50 pages or so. (warning: This strategy takes a long time trying to condense everything)

[@dogman248]

Fry Wo

[@HHSMCJROTC]

This isn’t likely efficient (therefore not useful) for med school.

[@allenl9214]

thank you for all your tips... large part of finishing school successfully is good study techniques and habits. i was terrible in that. your videos give me new confidence in returning to school and finishing what I had abandoned

[@silverlightx6]

As an older student who recently returned to school to change careers (computers to nursing), I love your videos. Thank you!

[@JamieTresor]

silverlightx6 I hope you made it through school. I am also an older change career person, in pediatrics now!

[@spookypineapple]

Feynman Technique starts at 1:25.

[@qwertyui6348]

Thank you!!

[@eyeconic8653]

Lad

[@Rohit-sp4iz]

Thanks

[@stoicfloor]

I would say that you don't need to limit the use of Feynman Technique to only complicated and difficult concepts. You can use this technique basically for everything you want to remember and understand better. Feynman Technique is basically self-testing, summarizing and self-explaining. The act of explaining in a simpler language is very beneficial for remembering it better and better comprehension. Great video! Just subbed!

[@m.l.f.rilwana]

Group study really backfired. During my first semester to understand concepts i did the teaching with colleagues. It really helps. But now when ever there is an exam they always come asking to teach even the smallest things, that I have to hide somewhere and study. ( since we are all in the hostal)

[@kromatic3610]

You are a godsend, Jay. I've been having trouble studying lately, and this video is coming in clutch. Thank you. ❤

[@maximilianc9897]

Interesting. I never realised there was a name for my study method. One method I used was creating songs out of concepts...now that worked for me in med school.

[@dirtysgbiggy]

As a struggling pre-med student with bad study habits, I'm so happy I found your channel. I have newfound confidence in my abilities thanks to your advice. Keep doing what you're doing man, I'm sure you're changing some lives out there.

[@jmlnursing1084]

Thank you for awesome video! I love Richard Feynman!

[@flummi6704]

I don't know how I found your channel, but I somehow must've subscribed to it bc you suddenly popped up in my subscriptions.. I'm really happy about it tho bc you seem to create really good and high-quality content! :)

[@krystalbeauty2234]

Thank you! So helpful, definetely using these teqhniques in college!:)

[@priyankabhati1042]

Thanks! !! You are always a great help !!! ❤

[@sherkhan_5050]

Glad I found your channel, nobody mentioned when to use and when not to use except you. I watched lot of videos of this technique, I tried to apply for all my different subjects, memorisation (which I shouldn't as you said). Thanks a lot!

[@sherkhan_5050]

I just subscribed your channel, (however I am an computer science engineering student) , looking forward for future better techniques. I want to ask one thing? Is technology making us lazy or dumb as people who said before they had technology, they did all scheduling, memorizing things better (especially lots of mobile numbers) in their brain & now we are fully depending our lives in technology for our daily tasks? Why?

[@studykendrick2029]

Going to try this out with respiratory and cardiovascular system exam coming up.

[@tullochgorum6323]

I've been working on study technique for half a century, and these days I rarely come across anything innovative. But the idea of using the Feynman Technique is a small group is new to me, and sounds very interesting. You're an interesting guy - subscribed!

[@alishbahafsarehman7841]

Thank you so much, this is very helpful

[@0ilmoney]

I have just come across your page and I find your videos very insightful. I'm not saying this for annoy her reason other than to remind you that what you do makes a difference.

[@John-cq3hk]

I do love this channel. Definitely.

[@melanienward]

Thanks for this video!! My general chemistry professor taught us this, but I don't remember him telling us it was the Feynman technique. He told us to explain concepts as if we were telling a 5 year old. We often had to do this on exams especially for Gen. Chem 1. It was extremely helpful!

[@frywolf1817]

Thanks a lot for the study tips buddy, I always love watching your videos, you're a lifesaver

[@muhammedmtc]

Your videos gives me motivation every time. Now I can study easily because I know what I am doing. Thank you for making these videos. They help me a lot.

[@YashKumar-ef5go]

Very Helpful Video. Thank you

[@shorshkoya4567]

great, this was very helpful. your channel is best

[@denverlee19]

Finding people that are curious about what you're studying helps recall things that you thought you didn't retain very well. Someone asked me about vitamin D & B-12 a few semesters after I took a health & nutrition class and I was able to go in depth about them. Almost didn't know where it came from.

[@raq1205]

Thank you so much I will definitely be using this in my math classes! I was using this teaching method without even thinking about when I taught kids simple math skills but my ACT math score went up three points after consistently teaching others math, without even having a math class at the time. To any high schoolers out there--start using this technique as early as possible!

[@andrewwwcao]

once again best channel!

[@abdullahfarrukh5358]

I am a pre-medical student. I use this technique to understand difficult things. It really helps.

[@FluoGray]

Just found out your channel, subscribed 'cause it's dope. I started using the Feynman technique years and years ago and only now I found out it's got a name..

[@jesuschristislord958]

Hi, It is summer 2017. I came across your KZbin channel on accident - and I am praising God. Thank you for all of the helpful and useful content/rich filled information. You are a pure blessing. Thank you for sharing your experiences, lessons gained and knowledge with others. You deserve all of your subscribers + and more to come. From watching every one of your videos I am certain that I have learned at least something! And that is truly beautiful. God bless your soul. Amen!

[@agustinapinto9266]

Awesome video!

[@ocdgaming8964]

I am studying aerospace engineering and this technique helps A LOT

[@soleronux7914]

This is extremely helpful to us accounting students thanks very much.

[@mohamedbaydi9249]

i hope you can make a videos about how to apply those techniques to learn a language

[@johndonaghy4780]

Just before the AP Chemistry test in high school, a classmate who had struggled in the class asked me to help her study for the exam. When we sat down to study, I realized I didn’t have a very good grasp of the material myself. But just as the video described, the process of explaining it to her revealed my limits and forced me to learn what I needed in order to explain it to her. I don’t remember how she did on the test, but I was the only one in the class to get the top score even though there were several others in the class with better test scores than me throughout the year.

[@demimariehilado8091]

Im a law student watching this and it still helps a lot thanks! I especially like the stocism and studying video :)

[@lindakarner1430]

I have used this in my teaching, but I learned it from Isaac Azimov, who said something to the effect that if you can' t explain something to your grandmother you don't understand it. This saying has informed all my teacher prep, and I do collect kudos for my teaching. Now I have a video to pass this along as a study technique!! Yessssssss!!

[@TheinMoka]

Like you I used the Feynman technique without knowing it had a name. But it is the most helpful way to study Physics (I'm in Physics grad school) I've never tried it as a group study so thats some great advice!

[@thelocatina]

Thank you! :)

[@DudeWhoSaysDeez]

I did not know there was a name for this until recently. But i have been using a similar technique ever since i was in highschool. 1. one technique I use is seeing how simple I can make a process, and then add the complexity back in. 2. the second technique I have used (and am using currently as an undergrad) is studying ahead such that I know where the current content is leading me. This works really well if you hit a tough patch in your learning. If you look ahead in your education and see where the material is heading, it gives you a good idea on what material is necessary and what is not too important (similar to high yield vs low yield topics).

[@noahbrown9497]

This channel is simply amazing. I am a college incoming freshman and I've learned so much to prepare me for this fall. I'm stuck on whether to major in biology with pre-med because that's the "typical route" or political science because it's what I enjoy.

[@noahbrown9497]

The only problem is that I've heard that if I don't get into med school, I'll be stuck with a political science degree that I can't do much with

[@TheLatifalat]

Noah Brown study what you're good at, and what will help you build your futur self and maybe keep interested in political science, but as an area of interest, since having this degree is not a necessary for you Just a peace of advice from a medstudent girl, of course if you think you can pursue something in political science go for it but be sure

[@bencheveryday]

First year is best for taking the biggest gen eds like english and electives. If you feel like you want to get a biology degree, you can declare biology and political science courses count as electives. So long as you took freshman bio and chem during the first year you are on track with biology. With a political science degree you can get into Law, Master's and PhD programs if you want a particular career. It's best to stay focused and honest with what you want to handle over school. And a biology degree is normally said to be pointless unless for pre-health or teaching. But research in the biomedical field is another career aspect. But that's a very different field than medicine.

[@js2156]

A political science degree will stand out more if you're able to do well in your science classes. There will be far less people with a political science degree with a biology degree.

[@halawatfitsum523]

Trying to use this technique to understand the principals of success

[@MultiMick666]

I'm thinking of doing a postgraduate degree in Mathematical Sciences and the couple vids of yours I've watch really boost my confidence for it, thanks much.

[@darkrebel123]

i have used this technique several times. when i took cal 1 i wasn't satisfied with the mainstream explanation of what integration is actually doing, with rectangles approaching infinitesimal width, so i reverse engineered the process in order to understand it better, i broke it into much more basic terms, and discovered that it is a simplistically complex way of adding dimensions by simply multiplying delta-y by delta-x like you would a square or rectangle. now i will never in my life forget how to integrate, and it is much easier to use integration now that i understand it in almost childish terms.

[@russelferguson4648]

Great video! Simple and easy to understand, like the technique itself. Quick fix: Language is spelled incorrectly part way through the video.

[@starmy56]

Why am I seeing this so late? But thankyou so much for making this video! I've my boards this year and really wanted to know how to study in these CORONA times since school isn't being that helpful now

[@acousticway8355]

As an engineering student, the Feynman technique is best to use for understanding complicated concepts. Moreover, your video helps me to understand how and when to apply Feynman for sure this will help to improve my study technique.

[@johnathanrendon4933]

I wish I would of discovered this channel my freshman year.

[@Gogito-xw2qd]

Notification squad!

[@shootnscore26]

if you can teach it, you have mastered it. Not only is verbal explanation active, it incorporates more of the 5 senses in the learning process. Visual, Auditory, motor (speech), an emotional connection, and sometimes even tactile input can reinforce the material. Just going from 2 inputs to 3 increase retention from 30% to like 65% (according to a stat I had in a learning tutorium). I had 2 friends that I studied with, but we made sure we learned the material on our own first, then before exams we would test, quiz, explain, remind, explain again, make connections with current topic to something we discussed hours before; just to trigger memory and make more associations. It worked so well, that one of us would get top score in the class a lot of the time and all 3 of us were in the top percentile on a regular basis. Currently I am studying medicine in Germany and part of our board exams is oral, so explaining verbally will prepare for that part of the exam; which is the most daunting as you sit in front of 3 professors and have a chat for 3 hours....

[@real_rsaNoob13]

Wow, I've been using this technique since 4th grade without noticing

[@maxcoseti]

cool, but I don't have any friends :'(

[@FocusMrbjarke]

maxcoseti just explain it to your self but be aware of when there is something that doesn't make sense to pinpoint what you don't understand

[@BulbulChan5]

They say that study groups don't work with friends. Just find some colleagues to do this with

[@ericvantassell6809]

get an imaginary friend

[@kodiererg]

Use your imaginary ones

[@rezanhasan8161]

Your mom

[@reillyettridge6244]

Hi, I am studying a degree in Paramedicine (we need three years of uni to be a paramedic in Australia) and I am having big problems with anatomy and memorizing the muscles at the speed in which we go through them. For example we go through the muscles of the arm in a week before moving on, we need to remember the origin, exertion, innervation and action as well as blood supply for each muscle. With the amount of muscles being so much, I find I don't have time to make flash cards for each muscle, whilst also finding time to put in the required study for the three other units I am studying for the semester. What would be the best way to tackle this that you found? I have watched your other videos on memorization and have found them great for everything else I am learning such as pharmacology.

[@LSBUFU]

I loved the Feynman technique when I took pathophysiology. This video is invaluable to pre-nursing and nursing students!

[@BS-se4yg]

Personally this technique was amazing for me while I studied Law. I used it all the time even though I really didn't know it had a name. It just came naturally to me. My main problem began when I moved to German Translation. Even though I still use it from time to time to explain complex grammatical theories or rules, for the language itself is not that useful. Mainly because German Language 1 (and pretty much all the following ones) is based around learning general topics and vocabulary and being able to talk about them, explain them, define them and have a conversation or general knowledge about them

[@tangerpan]

I've certainly used this technique during my time in pharmacy school to help tackle difficult concepts, and it's been pretty effective. It's kind of like quizzing yourself -- do you /actually/ understand the material or are you just repeating words that you don't understand all that much?

[@simpatiko86]

tangerpan Do you have a job now after finishing pharm school?

[@tangerpan]

simpatiko86 yes I do have a job now. Currently a grad intern and studying to take my boards :)

[@simpatiko86]

tangerpan So you are a grad intern as a pharmacist?

[@tangerpan]

simpatiko86 I'm not officially a pharmacist until I pass the naplex and the mpje for my state, but once that happens I'll be on as a pharmacist.

[@simpatiko86]

tangerpan so does that means there is a job waiting for you after you finish all your naplex and mpje?

[@Brightandheavy]

Help! One of Medschool insiders videos was reset to private, and it had very very helpful knowledge I can't remember! It was related to the Acronym M.A.U. does anyone remember what M.A.U stood for? I can't find the video anymore...

[@niranjanaumashankar1928]

I have been doing this from my fifth grade.... but now I came to know that this technique has a name!!!!!

[@drmichaeljenewari2338]

My name is Michael, am a medical student. Thanks a lot for this video. But just wanted to ask, do u support memorizing for essay exams, after understanding the concept? Thanks

[@lightning2665]

i didn't expect to be studying with a tecnique that has a name

[@fredocorleone3280]

Simplify complex concepts: God did it.

[@adiramrakhani]

I always did this but didn't know it had a name!

[@themablab9577]

Thanks for the video! Do u think that the Feynman technique works for studying law in uni? :D

[@MedSchoolInsiders]

Yes

[@josephmarcebaluyut2360]

I've been doing this technique, but I just found out its name today! Haha

[@lidiaparker6466]

Jay, what's the best way to study chemistry?

[@Smiles_McGeee]

Is this the method where you question and question deeper for a more understandable explanation?

[@TheOGTriumph]

Would you suggest using Anki Cards for High School courses?

[@mamaq168]

I hope you can add Vietnamese subtitles so that Vietnamese people like us can learn a lot more from your videos.

[@marianavargas755]

is this technique recommended for dentistry???

[@therogueliker]

whenever i read a book, instead of highlighting the important things to remember with a pen, i write them on a piece of paper

[@frogprincessss]

I prefer studying by myself most of the time. I guess I do a modified Feynman technique by creating my own simplified diagrams/algorithms of difficult concepts that I need to learn

[@minoyaaparangsae701]

when you have a friends but they don't love studying. I need a study buddy. I only have my study Bunny with me and my flashcards huhu

[@Dragon9D]

Do i have to use the anki cards to get the best grades ........ i don’t prefer using them

[@budasfeet]

Where is the group study tips video?

[@v.MotarjaM]

How to master accademic weiting And how to memorise new voca

[@nailaoulfetzitouni5060]

I understand every thing fast the problem is i don't remember and take à lot of time to memorize

[@toddfader8830]

This guy is a genius, which is why it was funny when he accidentally spelled "language" wrong at 1:43. Comes to show even the brightest can make simple errors. Nevertheless, keep up the great work!

[@markuswaldemar3921]

Interesting video. A pity you misspell "language", though...(1.43)

[@lunatic703]

How did you make your video

[@Ajiizleee]

Hey man i'm finishing up my sophomore year in undergrad and my plan this whole time was to attend a graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Recently I realized that medicine may be a better fit, this is a bad time because I'm not sure if I need to be signing up and studying for the MCAT or the GRE. I'm also not sure if I should be taking Organic chem (for med school) or continue with my Pre-PT track. Medical School seems like it would be perfect for me but I'm just not sure if it's too late to change tracks?

[@Ajiizleee]

I also need to figure out if I should be shadowing PTs or MDs this summer as well. It seems like I became indecisive at the worst point

[@Ajiizleee]

For PT my sciences need to be one year in each A&P, Bio, General Chem, and Physics. From the med schools I've looked into, they don't require A&P but all the rest are pre-reqs with the addition of Ochem. Having already finished my Anatomy sequence, I would be looking at taking Physics or Ochem over the summer between jr and sr year if I were to ultimately decide on Med School. I will go speak with the head of the PT dept tomorrow and see what he thinks. (He's one of my professors) But thank you for your response and thank you for taking your time to make these videos. From someone who is fairly busy, I understand not having a lot of time and deciding what to spend it on can be tough.

[@bigruss8103]

This really doesn't work when you need to answer questions in accordance with exact mark scheme answers

[@selachimorpha2000]

Wow you’re not jubbal yet you guys have the identical hand and equal level of artistic skill! How cool!

[@jermainejennings1514]

🎉

[@Prometheus720]

The technique of simply trying to teach things has been very helpful in other areas, too. Technical skills like martial arts, rhetoric, and even video games have benefited from this. And not only that, a lot of learning comes from diving into a concept and seeing aspects I wouldn't see otherwise.

[@FocusMrbjarke]

The feynman technique could be a good way to memorize things better due to the depth of processing in learning and over learning and it isn't limited to math at all it can be used for every thing that needs understanding because it helps to pinpoint what you don't understand and therefore you know what to learn next for better understanding and a study actually shows memonics(or how ever you spell it) aren't that good of a learning technique a better option would be active recall, retrieval pratice and spaced repetition for better memory because they work better i think is because they are more directly focused on the actual neurons in the brain that stores the information you learned (i am not sure if this is a fact but i am almost 100% convinced that this might be the case) bigthink.com/neurobonkers/assessing-the-evidence-for-the-one-thing-you-never-get-taught-in-school-how-to-learn

[@darlinghysa7407]

the secret it is in the language or tongue sense.! you can be a parrot, follower, of a science even at perfection of imitation but to strengthen and develop your understanding you need to learn those concepts in other languages, with voice aloud and alone some hours a day and you will evolve for sure in the long run of other lives. as it is a known fact to all now at the era of electronic information that GoD talks with himself three hours a day to strengthen his ego and to evolve or to be the First Being as always!

[@1MrTooL1]

I love you

[@ArmorBreaker88]

1:45 launguage

[@frywolf1817]

lol, move on with your life buddy

[@beatlesloversprims]

hahaha why does it matter??

[@yoni23able]

And "don't" has an apostrophe.

[@crazyforcats19]

hahaha

[@nee7886]

How to remember lots of information in a short time

[@sageofsixbowls1587]

2:06 language is spelt wrong!

[@bmuff1016]

Sage of Six Bowls thought I was the only one who saw this

[@dontry_]

Hello! Love this video! But you need to abandon the yellow :S

[@rogersyversen3633]

cool, I allready do that in my head. I pretend explaining it to someone.

[@fredasperdil7994]

1write the concept THTA YOUaim to retain 2eplain the consept using simple language 3look up concepts or areas that you are having trouble explainng in simple maner 4identify complex area and challenge yourself to simplify them futher

[@Samkrisha]

I really thought that was jimmy fallon for a sec 1:03

[@TheFatKid128]

NEUROSCIENCE!!! In taking it in grad school 🙄

[@simply_nidhi]

You talk about ANKI cards a lot.. But then again. A lot of people don't use Iphones. Maybe suggest an alternative app for Android users ? Awesome advice that actually helps. Thank you.

[@ericvantassell6809]

"real time", "next level" buzzword bingo!

[@SuperBiboy17]

Bruce Wayne Method.