Introduction
Have you ever read a textbook chapter three times and still felt like you understood nothing? This is a common problem called the "illusion of competence." You recognize the words, but you do not actually understand the ideas.
The best way to fix this is a method called the Feynman Technique. It was named after a famous physicist who believed that if you cannot explain something simply, you do not understand it.
In the past, you needed a patient friend to listen to you explain things. Now, you can use AI. Here is how to use AI to master hard topics in three simple steps.
Step 1: Teach the AI (The "5-Year-Old" Test)
The first step is to explain the concept in your own words. Do not copy the textbook.
Open a tool like ChatGPT or Claude and type this prompt:
"I am studying [Topic, e.g., Photosynthesis]. I want to test my understanding. I will explain it to you as if you are a 5-year-old. If I use jargon or complex words, stop me and ask me to simplify."
Then, type out your explanation. This forces your brain to break down complex ideas into simple blocks. If you get stuck and cannot explain a part simply, that is exactly where your knowledge gap is.
Step 2: Ask for a Gap Analysis
Once you have finished your explanation, ask the AI to grade you. You want to know what you missed or what you got wrong.
Use this prompt:
"Review my explanation. What important details did I miss? Did I make any factual errors? Give me a bulleted list of gaps in my knowledge."
This gives you immediate feedback. You do not have to wait for a test grade to find out you were wrong. You can fix the problem right now.
Step 3: Turn the AI into a Socratic Tutor
Now that you know the basics, you need to test your critical thinking. A "Socratic" tutor is a teacher who answers questions with more questions to make you think harder.
If you want a dedicated tool for this, Khanmigo by Khan Academy is excellent. It is designed specifically to guide you without giving you the answers.
If you are using a standard chatbot, use this prompt:
"Now act as a Socratic tutor. Quiz me on [Topic]. Ask me one question at a time. Do not give me the answer. If I get it wrong, give me a hint and let me try again."
This active struggle to find the answer helps move the information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory.
Tools to Help You
Khanmigo: Best for a safe, structured tutoring experience that feels like a real teacher.
Socratic by Google: Great for quick help when you are stuck on a specific homework problem.
ChatGPT: The most flexible tool for running the Feynman technique prompts above.
Conclusion
Reading your notes over and over is the slowest way to learn. It feels like work, but it doesn't stick.
By using AI to "teach" the material and get instant feedback, you stop memorizing and start understanding. Next time you have a hard test, try the AI Feynman Technique. You will spend less time studying and remember more.
