Feynman Technique

The summary of this article

To really understand something it is not enough to read an article, or even make side notes.

Feynman technique is aimed to make you really grasp the topic.

Four steps:

1. Write down that you do not understand. It should be something small, you will only have page or two to explain it to yourself or others.
2. Learn about the topic/concept by reading and taking notes. Now explain it to yourself, put in in writing, create a summary. Then teach the concept to someone else, bother you spouse or friend. Only when you try to explain something to others you will know how much you really understand and if you have any gaps to close.
3. Return to [the same] source materials if you stuck or have the gaps to close. Maybe one of the gaps will be the next concept to apply this technique.
4. Simplify your explanation and summary for 5yo.

Like this: 1. State the problem, Read & Summarize, Teach someone, do not jump on the shiny new topic/concept/article before grasping the the old one.

There are good reasons for why this works, go read the original article.

BTW: Feynman’s biography “Genius” by James Gleick, mentioned in the article, is and amazing read.