Study Short, Study Effective

hello, here’s some inspiration :)

I cannot stress enough how much I have seen on my Instagram page about the world of Studygram and the Feynman Technique. It seems the Feynman Technique is an effective tool, but most of us students aren’t that dedicated to working hard and want immediate results. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing, but here’s a way to make the Feynman Technique easier and less heavy on your brain.

Let’s proceed. I know you’re dying for it.

First, Know Your Topic

It sounds simple, right? Know the topic that the teacher is discussing. Just listen during discussions, take notes, highlight things, and do whatever you can to understand the topic and information that are not in your book. Don’t focus on things that are merely in your book; focus on what is not there.

Second, Make Connections

Remember the notes that you took during class so that, while you’re on break, you can make connections between the facts.

Third, Stand Up and Walk

I made a reel about this on Instagram. If you’d like a brief explanation, head there. If you’re lazy like me, here’s the caption from that video:

1. Stand up from your study area and take your book, notebook, digital notes, and/or flashcards with you.
2. Leave a clean sheet of paper on your desk where you can write your realizations about how much you’ve mastered your topic.
3. Imagine that you are in a classroom or lecture hall, presenting as a student or teaching as a professor.
4. Say out loud or in your mind what you are going to say to your audience.

Let’s say you’ve just started lecturing or presenting your topic. Did you notice that you were good at it or were you definitely bad at it? Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being mastery and 1 being novice.

Remember that piece of paper I asked you to place on your desk? Go back to your desk, and write down the concept or word that you’re struggling with. At this point, you can sit down and try to understand the concept while writing a mind map, or you can stand up and try to work through it while walking around.

Once you’ve figured it out, bring back your presenter/professor mode and explain it back to your “student.”

Repeat this process until you’ve flawlessly presented your topic. This exercise helps not only with retaining memory but also with mental stimulation from walking around and creating a clear picture of the topic.

Et voilà! Three easy steps when using the Feynman Technique.