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đź’ˇHow to Explain 1 Topic at 5 Different Levels

Using the Feynman Technique

Author

Mohammad Khan
May 20, 2023

The Big Idea:

  • 1 Experience to Skyrocket your Skills on Autopilot:

  • Applying The Feynman Technique.

  • And how you can use this as an Engineer.

1 Experience to Skyrocket your Skills on Autopilot:

Tutoring.

Tutoring, paid or volunteer, forces you to explain a topic to someone at their level. From learning how to read to geography to social studies to algebra to chemistry, tutoring gives you experience teaching one on one. And the feedback you get is instant. Within weeks and months of consistent tutoring, you will improve your communication, teaching, and storytelling skills.

Tutoring is an easy way to make extra money, pass on what you know, and practice how to teach.

Read about my experience tutoring here:

Mohammad Khan on LinkedIn:

Since 2017, I volunteer as a homework helper at the Columbus…

www.linkedin.com/posts/mohammadkhan1859_engineer-storytelling-teaching-activity-7064571551093817345-nrOk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

The Feynman Technique: Teach to Learn. Learn to Teach.

The Feynman technique was created by Richard Feynman, a physicist, who was an expert at explaining complex topics in simple terms for anyone to understand.

His technique is a fantastic way to learn a subject in a short amount of time. Most people already know about the Feynman technique, but few give examples.

Let’s breakdown how you can use the Feynman technique!

Applying the Feynman Technique:

Richard Feynman

Take the perspective of a tutor.

You know the subject to a degree, say Algebra. But a student asks you to teach parabolas.

Using Feynman’s technique, here’s how you teach parabolas in Algebra:

  • Ask questions to gauge the students current understanding.

  • Find what level are they at? Some students are razor sharp. Others need more examples.

    • What do they already know?

    • How well do know it?

    • When in doubt, ask the student to explain what they know about the top to you.

  • If the student is unsure, start off with examples then ask if they understand.

  • As the student responds, adapt your questions and examples to their perspective.

  • Always ask the student to explain back to you what they understand. By either doing more problems or explaining in their own words.

You will know if you’ve done your job if the student is able to explain it to you and do the rest of the problems.

Ok. The bullet points are alright.

But how do people actually teach 1 concept at 5 different levels?

Keep reading.

Example of the Feynman Technique:

Brian Greene explaining Time at 5 different Levels:

WIRED’s YouTube channel has a series of YouTube videos called 5 Levels, where they bring an expert & have them teach 1 topic at 5 different levels: Kid, Teen, College Student, Grad Student, Expert.

These videos are masterclasses in teaching & tutoring. If you watch any of them, you’ll see brilliant people breakdown a topic and explain it so each level can understand it.

Here are 4 big takeaways from Brian Greene’s explanation of Time:

  • Ask more questions than explain.

  • Get the student involved in your explanation.

  • Don’t be afraid to use props or act out your explanation.

  • Listen to the student & use what they say in your explanation.
    (Ex: weaving Interstellar’s movie concept into the discussion).

If you’re looking for another example, see how 3 movies explain the 2008 housing market crash from 3 different perspectives here:

How 3 Movies Explained the 2008 Financial Crisis

The Newsletter on What They Don't Teach You in Enginering School

next-level-engineer.beehiiv.com/p/2008-financial-crisis-explained-by-3-movies

How can I use this as an Engineer?

Anytime you learn a subject in school or on the job.

Test your understanding using the Feynman Technique. Practice teaching others to organize your thoughts in a clear manner. Practice explaining topics on the spot. Practice on a regular basis to build a strong foundation.

  • Choose 1 Topic.

  • Write as if you were talking with a child.

  • Research & fill in the gaps.

  • Simplify it even more & use approximate topics for greater clarity of the subject.

Being able to clearly explain what’s in your head to someone else will help you in many areas including:

  • Asking for Funding

  • Documentation

  • Presentations

  • Interviews

  • Portfolios

  • Meetings

  • Resumes

Any place in life where you communicate with others, this will help.

That’s it!

Hit reply & let me know what you found most helpful this week—I’d love to hear from you!

See you next Saturday!

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