Make It Stick
by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel
Cognitive scientists explain why the most popular study methods, rereading and highlighting, fail, and what works: retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, elaboration and difficulty. It is written for students, teachers and lifelong learners, with examples from medicine to flight training. Authoritative and readable.
Read it if…
you learn for a living and want methods with evidence behind them.
Skip it if…
you want a quick tip; the book is thorough.
Three things you will actually use
- Quiz yourself; retrieval is learning.
- Space sessions out; cramming fades.
- Mix topics; interleaving feels worse and works better.
Do this first
After your next reading session, close the book and write everything you remember before checking.
Our verdict
The authoritative popular book on learning; essential for students.
Compare with other Focus books
Focus: A Simplicity Manifesto in the Age of Distraction
Leo Babauta · Focus
Short and calm.
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