How To Check That You Understand A Subject

understand a subject

In my daily jobs, I have to lead a group of people. Most of the time, it seems they don’t understand what they are doing and why they are doing it.

Besides when they learn new thing they tend to memorize or they are just relaying what they read instead of understanding it and digest the subject. Basically by memorizing you can’t apply it in real life situation.

Since high school, I hate history because I’m not good in memorizing but I’m good at understanding things.

These are rules of thumbs to check whether you understand a subject

1. Use Your Own Words To Describe The Subject

In my own words, I will say it in this manner:

Of course, other people might not understand your description, but most important thing you understand your own words.

2. Use Analogy

Example of Electricity. Most of electrical students can’t understand what is really amperage and voltage. Here is a good analogy.

Watt is power unit with formula as below:

Analogy with water garden hose:-

Water come out from garden hose (watts) = Water volume (Amperage) x Water pressure (voltage)

3. Use Comparison Matrix

4. Provide Good Example

Example what is perimeter:

calculating perimeter
calculating perimeter
Perimeter for the left shape =

6cm + 4cm + 2cm + 3cm +4cm + 3cm + 4cm = 30cm

5. Draw Diagram

From all the description of a subject, can you draw it on piece of paper to depict your understanding? If yes, it means you understand better your subject. If no, try again.

Benefits of Understanding

Indeed by following these, you take up more time to understand a subject. But when you get used to it, it will be easy and you understand the subject better and use it appropriately.