Feynman Technique AI learning workflow

A 4-prompt workflow that uses the Feynman Technique with AI to dramatically improve retention through active recall, explanation, gap detection, and analogy building.

🤖 Works with: Claude/ChatGPT

The Prompt

Copy and paste — replace anything in [brackets].

Prompt 1: The Concept Map
Paste this after reading something.
"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: A 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."

Prompt 2: The 12-Year-Old Test
Once the 5 ideas are identified:
"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. 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."

Prompt 3: The Gap Finder
After you've written your own explanations:
"Here are my 5 explanations: [PASTE YOUR ANSWERS] Now play the role of a strict but kind tutor. For each explanation: Mark it STRONG, WEAK, or WRONG. If it is WEAK or WRONG, tell me exactly what I misunderstood. Give me the corrected version using words a 12 year old would understand. Use a different analogy than before. Ask me 1 follow-up question that would prove I understand it. End with: 'Which idea should I restudy first to fix the biggest gap?'"

Prompt 4: The Analogy Lock
To make the ideas memorable:
"For each of the 5 ideas, build 2 analogies. ANALOGY 1: From everyday life (cooking, sports, driving, family, weather, money) ANALOGY 2: From common adult experience (work, phones, finances, time management) For each analogy: Show where it works Show exactly where it breaks down End with: A single sentence summary I should reread tomorrow morning."

What it’s good for

Improve learning retention after reading books, articles, courses, or podcasts by identifying key concepts, explaining them simply, finding knowledge gaps, and creating memorable analogies.

How to use it

1. After reading about a topic, use Prompt 1 to identify the 5 most important concepts
2. Use Prompt 2 to get simple explanations, then write your own versions
3. Paste your explanations into Prompt 3 to identify gaps and get corrections

Curated from the community via Reddit.