Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning Hardcover – 12 May 2014

This book is potentially a life-changer for me. It's been about a month or so since I read the contents and started applying the core concepts of it into my own life. I cannot stress enough the difference I have noticed in my retention ability - this, on a very difficult topic, (C++ and Problem Solving).To give a little background into why I write the review, and to hopefully encourage others who might be similar to invest in this publication:I always wondered why I couldn't transfer an uncommon ability to absorb trivia into other parts of my life, especially in an academic context. When I was in high school, I was an exceptional sponge of knowledge, and placed well in national trivia competitions. Even after high school, I won pub quizzes as 'One Man At the Bar". Why couldn't I transfer this 'skill' to more important and worthwhile pursuits?I'd always been pretty relaxed (to the point of horizontal) in my approach to studying, with a toxic combination undermining my progress. I had a natural disinclination to study, as well as an acceptance of second best, all anchored down by an abysmal sense of self esteem. Despite all of this, I always reassured myself that I could achieve things if I 'actually' tried, and stayed safe in the knowledge that "if I really work at it, I could definitely do/learn it." Failures in anything were handwaved with 'I didn't try hard enough', which may or may not have been truthful - it's difficult to objectively analyse.However, having worked hard on eliminating the self-esteem problems over the last year, and setting the bar a lot higher for myself in terms of what I'd like to get out of life, I noticed I had surprising difficulties in retaining knowledge on C++ and Programming. I had assumed that sustained study with purpose and direction would finally allow me to 'take the handbrake off' on my learning, and find a better career in programming. It came as a rude shock to see me fail to grasp and retain information that, while not necessarily easy, is certainly something that other people seem able to master in a much shorter timeframe.After a little research into what might be slowing me down (it wasn't intelligence, memory, lack of interest, ADHD, etc...), I found this book - and I now realise I simply had never learned how to study properly! Put succinctly: I had never needed to! I more or less crammed or desperately squeezed what info I could into my head before any tests/assignments (some of which, looking back, I very badly let myself down in). On one occasion, I can remember being dishonest in an official exam, although with zero benefit from a moral or personal perspective.Anyway; this book has helped me retain very difficult information in a very short time frame. I'm finally able to reel off the kind of complicated knowledge presented in books like 'C++ Primer' (incidentally, an excellent book!) in the same way that I could casually recall trivia like country capitals, the monarchs reigning during certain historical events, or the creator of specific pieces of art.Certainly, this book will not turn one into a genius overnight (or indeed, ever!) - AND there is 'work' to be put into studying and the use/creation of spaced-repetition flashcards...but just find what works for you. I cannot recommend this book enough, and look forward to moving through life with the handbrake finally removed :)

The subject is: the science of how to learn efficiently. A must read especially if you learn by rereading books, notes. This should be everyone's starting point before learning anything. This includes school learning, job training and sports. It details the proven scientific principles behind how effective learning works, and how most people learn ineffectively.What it includes: Scientifically proven methods of learning that work, and their ineffective, but popular counterparts (eg interleaving as supposed massed practice (eg rereading in rapid succession), testing as a tool of learning, memory aids)What it does NOT include: Physiological considerations: eat well, sleep well, don't use stimulants etc. The use of any type of software. How to make yourself motivated to study. (there's very minimal advice on that)Pros: A lot of books give good advice, but this one gives the best. It prioritises the most important aspects of learning ie the ones which will make the biggest difference. Has a large scope, but enough depth to provide good understanding. The format makes it very easy to understand the topic and the experiments qouted let you know that the information is proven and accurate.Cons: Does not suggest the use of any software even when it would be appropriate. Eg the use of paper flash cards was suggested once, but a flashcard software is superior in every sense. I think a bit more emphasis should have been on memory aids.Format: As you would expect from any good popular science based books, there are stories and examples so that you understand the principles and the short description of the results of experiments proving them (which are referenced). Very important: This lets you know how accurate the information is. It lets you separate proven facts from opinion and specualtion. (not like there's a lot of the latter in the book anyway) It's nice that the most important bits are summed up in the last chapter from the perspective of students, teachers etc.

This book has some interesting insights that will allow you to improve your learning methods. However while reading the book it might feel a bit repetitive, not quite sure if that was done on purpose but it feels heavy at times. Overall its worth buying, to have an introduction on the topic of better learning.

This book presents a number of simple and well-researched strategies to support learning. The book takes the strategies one by one and elaborates a little on the research behind each without getting into the level of abstract detail that could have made it a more difficult read. The strategies are contrasted with a number of "common sense" strategies which are the stock and trade of most students and many teachers, but have been proven to be ineffective, despite their apparently common sense appeal. The book also contains a chapter each for students, teachers, trainers and life-long learners with practical tips on putting the strategies into action. Many of the strategies are directly related to content learning or fact memorization. A couple address deeper conceptual learning. While the book often mentions the connection between mastery of knowledge and conceptual understanding, more elaboration of these connections, with some guidelines for practice would be useful. Overall an excellent little book, however, and one that should be read by every teacher and every student.

This is one of the best books on learning. It was expensive and took a long time to arrive but it is worth it.I’d buy it for friends especially people who have to learn all the time.