As parents, we certainly want our children not only to get good grades, but also to truly understand what they are learning. We want them to be confident in explaining lessons, not easily forget, and able to think independently when facing new types of questions.
However, in reality, many children:
- Quickly forget after exams
- Struggle to explain material they claim they have “already studied”
- Rely on memorization without truly understanding
This is where the Feynman Technique becomes highly relevant. This technique is simple, practical, and very suitable for school-age children, especially when parents care about learning quality and are willing to invest in the right kind of guidance.
What Is the Feynman Technique?
The Feynman Technique is a learning method that focuses on deep understanding rather than memorization. The core idea is simple:
This technique is named after Richard Feynman, a renowned scientist known for his ability to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way. This principle is highly relevant for children, because the best learning happens when they are able to “teach back.”
Before getting into the technique itself, let’s understand a common problem. Many children:
- Memorize formulas without knowing where they come from
- Solve problems by following example patterns
- Feel they have “already studied” simply because they have read or watched videos
The problem is that memorization fades easily, especially when questions are modified or contexts are changed. Children panic, feel that the subject is “difficult,” and their confidence drops. The Feynman Technique helps break this cycle.
How to Practice the Feynman Technique
This technique can be summarized in 4 simple steps:
- Choose 1 small topic
For example, decimal fractions, photosynthesis, or Newton’s first law. Small topics are easier to master and prevent children from feeling overwhelmed. - Ask the child to explain in their own words
Invite the child to explain as if they were teaching a younger sibling, telling a friend, or explaining to a parent. Example: “Try explaining to Mom what photosynthesis is, using your own words.” - Identify Parts That Are Still Confusing
When the child pauses, hesitates, or jumps around in their explanation, it’s a sign that there are parts they do not yet understand or have only memorized. Here, parents do not need to scold or blame. This is actually the most important learning moment. - Fix It & Explain Again
Guide the child to open the book again, look at examples, and then explain it once more in a clearer version.
This process can be repeated several times until the explanation flows naturally.
Although it sounds simple, in practice challenges often arise:
- Parents do not have enough time to provide consistent guidance
- Children feel shy or reluctant to explain
- Parents are unsure how to ask the right questions
- The learning atmosphere becomes tense
This is normal. Not all parents have an educational background or systematic teaching methods.
This is where the right tutoring program can be extremely helpful. Trained learning mentors know how to prompt children to explain instead of simply giving answers, are patient with hesitant or mistaken children, and are able to simplify material according to the child’s age.
In a tutoring setting, children become more accustomed to explaining in front of a tutor, the Feynman process runs more consistently, and parents do not need to start from scratch again at home.
If you are a parent who cares about the quality of your child’s education and wants learning results that are truly felt, there is nothing wrong with looking for a tutoring program that prioritizes understanding rather than just grade targets.
Because in the end, a child who truly understands will learn more calmly, and parents will feel more confident about their investment.