Can't understand it? Teach it.

Okay, Alters, this one’s for the tricky concepts that no matter how much you read, re-read, and write out, some concepts just float away 😕 Showing your understanding is one of the primary ways CAIE examiners assess your answers and award your grades, so the ability to understand and explain concepts is essential. This learning tool will help break down those head-scratchers, solidify them in your memory, and explain them like a pro! 

This is a powerful learning strategy developed by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. It's based on the simple idea that true understanding comes from being able to explain a concept clearly and concisely, even to someone who knows nothing about it.

1. Pick your concept: This could be anything from a scientific principle to a historical event.

2. Explain it as if you were teaching a beginner: Imagine you're explaining the concept to a young student or someone with no prior knowledge. Use simple language, analogies, and everyday examples to break down the complexities.

3. Identify gaps in your understanding: As you try to explain, you'll likely encounter areas where you stumble or struggle to articulate clearly. These are the gaps in your own understanding.

4. Fill the gaps and refine your explanation: Go back to your study materials, research further, or discuss with others to deepen your understanding of the challenging areas (tip: see how our instructors explain concepts as a guide). Then, rewrite your explanation to be more clear, concise, and accurate.

5. (Optional — but highly recommended) Test your understanding by teaching it to someone else: Try explaining the concept to a real person like a friend, family member, or study buddy. Their questions and reactions can further reveal any remaining gaps in your knowledge.

Check out what productivity guru, Thomas Frank, has to say about this learning tool.

In simple words — simplicity helps us understand better. That, with the added time and effort of breaking down something complex and tricky into simpler language, helps ingrain theory into your brain❗But keep this in mind: while this tool can assist you with writing simple and clear explanations, be careful not to skimp out on key terms and definitions that examiners expect you to know and replicate in your answers. Some things just need to be memorised 🤷🏼‍♂️

✍️ Active learning: It goes beyond passive reading and forces you to engage with the material on a deeper level.

🧠 Improved understanding: Identifying and addressing gaps in your knowledge leads to a more solid grasp of the concept.

💬 Stronger communication skills: Explains complex ideas clearly and concisely, improving your ability to communicate effectively.

💪 Boosts confidence: Mastering a concept allows you to explain it confidently to others, increasing your self-belief (this is more important to your exam prep than you can imagine!)

That’s all for this week! Give it a go and let me know how it goes!

P.S.: Need tips for specific problems? Let me know so I can share strategies you’re looking for in particular!