The Feynman Technique: How Teaching Reveals What You Don't Know
The Feynman Technique forces you to explain concepts simply. When you stumble, you've found exactly what to study next.
Browse all our articles on evidence-based study techniques
The Feynman Technique forces you to explain concepts simply. When you stumble, you've found exactly what to study next.
You're sitting in lecture, nodding along. The professor explains a concept. It makes sense. Later, your roommate asks what you learned today. You open your mouth. Nothing coherent comes out.
Spaced repetition works because of how your brain consolidates memory. Here's why the intervals matter—and how to set them right.
Here's what's weird about memory: the best time to review something is right before you forget it. Not after you've forgotten. Not while you still remember it perfectly. Right at the edge.
Biology isn't inherently harder than other subjects. But one common mistake makes it feel impossible. Here's what's actually going wrong.
Most students approach biology like a foreign language made entirely of vocabulary words. They see the Krebs cycle and think: 'I need to memorize this diagram.' This is the mistake.
Learn the 20 amino acids with memorable, absurd mnemonics that actually stick. No more flashcard grinding.
You're about to read a chapter. Or watch a lecture. Or start a problem set. Before you do, try this: spend two minutes asking one question.
You know you should start studying. The exam is in three days. And yet here you are, reorganizing your desk. The standard advice? Just use willpower. This advice almost never works.