In this video the educator explains how to calculate the determinant of a matrix using a step-by-step method applicable to determinants of any order. This involves summing products of elements with their respective minors and calculating the determinant of resulting sub-matrices. The video also covers a method to maximize zeroes in a row or column of a determinant, which simplifies calculations by applying properties of the terminal and expanding through the row or column with most zeroes. The educator demonstrates these methods using example matrices, highlighting the importance of attention to detail and providing a review of determinants of square matrices with their social properties.