How can the Feynman Technique help students understand difficult topics?

[Campus reveiw]

When studying a challenging subject, it can be tempting to reread the same notes repeatedly. Another approach is to close your notes and try explaining the concept in your own words.



The Feynman Technique follows four basic steps:

Choose one specific concept.

Explain it simply, as if teaching a beginner.

Identify gaps or confusing parts in the explanation.

Review those areas and explain the concept again.

For example, a student studying the water cycle could explain evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in sequence. If one stage is unclear, that becomes the focus of the next revision session.

The Campus Review has a guide with practical examples, AI-assisted practice suggestions, and advice on combining the technique with active recall:

https://thecampusreview.com/k-12/feynman-technique/