The Feynman Method in 4 Prompts

Four prompts that turn the Feynman method into forced recall — so eight hours of reading survives the week.

Author
@heynavtoor
Tags
learning
NO.012Filed 2026-06-25

Phase 4: Prompt 1, The Concept Map

I just finished reading about [TOPIC].
I want to run the Feynman Method to make sure it sticks.
Step 1: Concept Map.
List the 5 most important ideas from this topic that I
should fully understand.
For each idea, give me:
- The 1 sentence definition in simple English
- Why this idea matters in the real world
- The 1 question I should be able to answer if I truly
understand it
Do not use jargon. Do not assume I have a background in
this field. Write like you are talking to a smart 16
year old.

Phase 5: Prompt 2, The 12 Year Old Test

For each of the 5 ideas above, I am going to try to
explain it in my own words like I am teaching a 12 year
old.
But first, write me a model answer for each idea. Use
only words a 12 year old would understand. No jargon.
Use an everyday example for each one.
Format:
IDEA 1: [name]
12 year old version: [your explanation]
Everyday example: [your example]
Then ask me to write my own version of each. Wait for
my answers before continuing.

Phase 6: Prompt 3, The Gap Finder

Here are my 5 explanations:
[PASTE YOUR ANSWERS]
Now play the role of a strict but kind tutor.
For each of my 5 explanations:
1. Mark it as STRONG, WEAK, or WRONG.
2. If it is WEAK or WRONG, tell me exactly what I got
confused about. Be specific. Do not be polite. I
want to know.
3. Give me the corrected version in 12 year old words,
using a DIFFERENT analogy from before.
4. Ask me 1 follow up question that would prove I now
understand it.
End with: which 1 idea should I restudy first to fix
the biggest weak spot.

Phase 7: Prompt 4, The Analogy Lock

For each of the 5 ideas, build me 2 analogies:
ANALOGY 1: from everyday life
(cooking, driving, sports, weather, family, money)
ANALOGY 2: from common adult experience
(working a job, using a phone, dealing with money,
managing time)
For each analogy:
- Show where the analogy works
- Show exactly where the analogy breaks down
(this part is critical, all analogies break somewhere)
End with the 1 sentence summary I should write down and
re-read tomorrow morning.