T.M. Kayode

Do you know who Richard Feynman is?

If you do not, it’s fine. I got to know about him first from the TV series – The Big Bang theory, then I did a bit of googling and it turns out that he is a Nobel winning physicist (1965) who was a theoretical physicist.

So, what do I and this remarkable man who was born in 1918 have in common? Drum rolls, please!!!

Our study habits!!!

For a long time, I hated my study habits, it is a time consuming and could be a bit nerve-racking. When I was much younger, I was so jealous of people who could study and listen to loud music at the same time and still do well in their exams (aka my friend Fola), people who could cram for examinations at the last minute and still do well (aka my friend Fola) and people that don’t even take serious notes in class and still do well (aka my friend Fola).

Let me give you a little bit of insight into my study regimen.

First, I attend all my lectures (Yes, that’s right– I am one of those neurotic students in your class that have never missed a class), then I make notes – my personal notes for every single subject, complete with annotations, anagrams, solutions to different exercises I have practised. Then I teach a friend and another friend and another friend. Organize tutorial sessions for persons who need them etc.

I recently discovered “The Feynman Technique”, the technique is credited to Richard Feynman which is derived from Feynman’s study technique as an undergraduate at Princeton. You can read more on Feynman’s Technique here, and here. However,  a breakdown of the Feynman’s Technique from the master himself is presented below.

Enjoy!!!

THE FEYNMAN’S TECHNIQUE SUMMARY

STEP 1: THE PREPARATION

You would need a piece of paper, preferably a notebook or any preferred medium of taking notes. Write down the name of the concept you are willing to learn at the top of the paper. This is the focus of your learning. You should use your lecture materials, textbooks etc. If the concept is still a bit abstract; I suggest you should try watching related YouTube videos.

STEP 2: THE LEARNING

Whilst learning, write down what you understand about the concept as simply as you can. With plain, easy to understand language. Pretend that you are teaching a child. The major thing you must strive to attain here is the simplicity of explanation.

STEP 3: REVISE

Go through what you have learnt again and fill up any knowledge gaps you may have. You should use this time to try out more examples. May sure you organize all that you are learning properly, so you can always go back to it when you want.

STEP 4: TEACH

Look for someone who you can teach. I cannot overemphasize how teaching others helped me personally. When you teach someone, at least two people learn; the person being taught and the teacher.

Things to Note:

1. Do not get discouraged if you don’t get the concept at once. Keep trying!!
2. I suggest you read in a place with few distractions especially when you are just about to start the learning process.
3. Do not compare yourself to others; everyone has different learning regimens.
4. Try as much as possible to enjoy the process.

And that’s all for this post folks, if you need more guidance or you have further questions, please fill free to drop a question in the comments below.

I wish you good success in your future learning endeavours!!!