Learning Online? No Worries!

Have you learned online recently due to the pandemic, or have you been doing it since long ago? No matter when and where you are studying, learning online can impose challenges on the one doing it. From being not focused to simply feeling bored, studying online can be ineffective if not done right. How can we maximize our online learning?

I studied for four years for my Bachelor's degree and am currently in my fifth term in my Master's degree in American universities; both are done 100% online. Therefore, I know exactly the advantages and disadvantages of studying online as I have experienced it firsthand. In this post, I will share three tips to study online effectively so that you can still benefit from your learning despite not attending lectures physically. But before that, please do not forget to like ❤️👍 this post and subscribe 🔔 It will help the channel grow! Also, feel free to share this link with anyone who is studying online as well! ✍️

With that being said, let's dive into the tips!

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Many students believe that studying alone in online classes reduces their learning effectiveness. However, you do not need study partners to enjoy and remember the information you get. The Feynman Technique, developed by Richard Feynman, is acknowledged as one of the greatest ways to learn things using simple steps (Farnam Street, 2021). What exactly is the Feynman Technique, and how can we use it to better our online learning?

Feynman Technique Origin

Richard Feynman was a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and particle physics as he invented quantum computing and popularized the notion of nanotechnology. He was also a well-known speaker at Cornell and Caltech. Throughout his ex[erience, Feynman observed that learning should be an active process of trial and error, discovery, and unfettered inquiry (Adegbuyi, n.d.).

Therefore, he concluded that if we could not describe anything plainly and simply, we did not understand it well enough to rephrase it according to our understanding (Farnam Street, 2021). Feynman wanted us to focus our learning on a single issue rather than a whole subject, so we know just what we need to know while keeping things simple. That way, our brain will not be overloaded or stressed out. Look at the illustrations from Adegbuyi (n.d.) below!

Implementing Feynman Technique

Step 1: Decide

Decide on a topic on which we have recently studied or on which you are interested in testing your knowledge. Any topic may be chosen, but try not to choose something too broad since that will make it difficult for you to progress to the other two steps. Hence, pick a topic that will take no more than five minutes to explain.

Step 2: Explain

Explain the subject in your own words, as if you were teaching someone else. You do not necessarily talk to anyone; you can practice via self-talk in front of your mirror! Use basic, straightforward words. But, do not limit your explanation to a basic description or a general summary. Challenge yourself to work through an example or two to verify if you have understood the concept instead (Abdaal, 2022).

Step 3: Review

Review your explanation and try to see if there are any gaps in your knowledge. If unsure about something, research and rewrite that part of your explanation (Farnam Street, 2021). This way, you can assess your own understanding effectively. Remember, your attention to your own description can make a lasting impression and longer retention about the matter (Kwik, 2020).

Moreover, if your reason uses problematic words or jargon, try to remove them since they are a hassle (Farnam Street, 2021). But you can use metaphors, analogy, and similes as these make the connection between something you are already familiar with and the new information you try to explain (The adolescent brain - learning strategies & teaching tips., n.d.)

You can also use the flashcards for this part; you can make it manually or use any app to create one. As for me, I like to write the core points of what I have learned in post-its, then paraphrase them in my own words when I rearrange them on my iPad later. It makes my brain retains the information longer, and it makes more sense to me!💭

Is Feynman Technique Ideal for Me?

Do not feel concerned if this technique will not work for you since you have a different major from me. Feynman used this technique to learn math, music, art, biology, and more. I personally use it to improve my skills in another language and to memorize my study materials in college. Many people have also benefited from enhancing their study method by using this set of techniques, so you can rest assured it is working! 👍

Try implementing these tips, I hope my tips are helpful for your learning progress! ❤️

References:

Abdaal, A (2022). The Feynman Technique. Ali Abdaal. https://aliabdaal.com/the-feynman-technique/

Farnam Street. (2021, November 17). The Feynman technique: The best way to learn anything. Farnam Street. https://bit.ly/3w6OPLZ Kwik, J. (2020). Limitless (p. 251). Hay House Inc.

The adolescent brain - learning strategies & teaching tips. (n.d.). Sun Protection Outreach by Students. https://bit.ly/3w3xW4v