How to Double Your Learning Speed – The LPC Method

My tweaked version of the Feynman Technique for getting a huge ROI on my study time.

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⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Feynman Technique Refresher
01:43 - The LPC Method
02:37 - Example from My Studies
04:56 - LPC Method vs. Original Feynman Technique
06:05 - Multi-Modal Learning

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[Thomasfrank]

Eating my own dogfood - my critique of this video (so meta):


Clarification: I wish I would have stated more clearly that you don't necessarily need to film your body or face - the important thing is that you make a video and then watch it later to add a critique. For some topics, it maybe more useful to film your hands drawing out a diagram.

Clarification 2: I specifically paste my video at the top of the section in my notes where I've recorded notes about that concept. That way, the accurate information is nearby, and I can quickly review it before watching to prime my brain to catch errors.

Question: Is verbally explaining a concept identical to writing it out when it comes to retention? Nope! While we can't say whether one is better than the other, research has found that verbal and written communication utilize different parts of the brain. Citation and further explanation can be found linked in the companion article (linked above).

Hope y'all find this one helpful!

[joannetiu]

As a teacher, this is exactly how I plan my lessons. I "rehearse" my lecture as I build the lesson around a PowerPoint, Jamboard and Doc sheet. This ensures I step into the minds of my students, hit all the points of the lesson and that it all flows well into a 20 minute class activity. I practice the lecture performance by physically standing, walking and verbally giving a lecture to myself in my room or office from time to time to test out a new slide, question or activity. This is one aspect of why I love teaching. It helps me not only learn new concepts but also effectively communicate them through teaching these concepts to others and thereby adding value to my own intellect and life in general. Good stuff, Thomas.

[GrowthMindsetChannel]

“I don't know what's the matter with people: they don't learn by understanding; they learn by some other way – by rote or something. Their knowledge is so fragile!” ~ Richard Feynman 💪🏻🚀

[stephen-finance]

This helped me so much in my undergrad Kinesiology coursework! I'd lead study groups where I would prepare ahead of time and then "teach" my classmates. This made them want to study with me, and it really helped me learn the material well.

[mrssmurf]

This takes me back I passed pre-nursing anatomy with a distinction because of your original videos and now onto a degree course and now you present an even better technique fantastic thanks for sharing!

[micrad]

Explaining a topic to someone else without actually having someone else to explain to through the power of TECHNOLOGY!

[DemetriPanici]

*Perfect timing with school starting again! I’m hoping you get back to your more upload schedule*

[klaudiaparulska]

I used to read something and then write out an explanation of what I’ve just learnt and thought that was great, however this is so so much better and I can’t wait to try it out. I’m doing a tone of research for my book and think this will be a turning point. Thank you !

[DoctorAzmain]

YESSS I saw your tweet on this!! Used a similar technique in medical school, but I WISH I'd had the idea to record myself on my phone to critique myself!! It always makes remembering easier when you imagine teaching someone else. Best of luck for getting the certifications!!

[ALifeofLearning]

As an educational science student I really liked this video! The combination of active recall necessary to create your explanation in your video, the self-feedback to correct any mistakes and the use of multimedia (images + text) are all aspects of learning techniques that have a lot of research backing up their effectiveness.I think a lot of people could benefit from trying this approach. Great job!!!

[jasonevans]

Your first video on The Feynman Technique is what introduced me to your channel. So it has sentimental value 👍

[mattbayne]

Signed up for Brilliant - appreciate the consistent effort you put into sharing your learning journey through such thoughtful and genuinely helpful videos! Learning how to learn is THE foundational skill.

[sahaskarunarathne]

What a coincidence! The Third Semester of my school starts tomorrow and I've been watching your "How to set up your workspace", ''Online Classes: A Survival Guide" in the last few days to be ready for my new semester and start it anew. This upload is a miracle and I will make sure to put your techniques to action!

[jazmin_]

Critiquing is an effective way to get better at something, cuz I learn more about what my students are learning by their responses to tests (and my critique of them) and therefore where my own teaching needs improvement. Recording has never been considered by me though 🤔 which in hindsight seems silly. Thanks for these videos Thomas, they always stimulate a more productive approach.

[stevesloan]

This is a good variation of the Feynman technique, and you've inspired me to try it (and to teach it to my kids), along with combining the two methods into a "Learning Megazord". Also I am looking forward to checking out your content on your "Thomas Frank Explains" channel.

[jamiemarcelle]

This has probably been the best video (in context of helpful and useful) I have every seen on youtube.

[AmandaJYoungs]

I am repeatedly impressed by your attitude to learning. Thanks for this video!

[Fahodinho]

I think one bonus thing you can gain from this technique is to have more confidence explaining topics to others without actually explaining it to anyone (just the camera)

[blainemogil]

You're a learning hero of mine - you've offered so much to college learning and still, this is among the best work you've done so far - Bravo!

[carbon]

Great video. I can see the amount of time/effort that you have put into it. One simplified version of this that I use semi-frequently is when I write manuscripts for journal submission. The first draft is usually rough and just sketches over the information that I want to deliver. As I read/critique/revise the subsequent versions of this draft, not only the material improves but my understanding of the material also improves. This is similar for the programmers when they write their code.