Make It Stick

Have you ever wondered why some learning experiences stay with you forever while others quickly fade away? Make It Stick by Peter C. Brown, Mark A. McDaniel, and Henry L. Roediger III explores the science behind successful learning and retention, turning many conventional wisdoms about education on their head. This insightful book delves into cognitive psychology to uncover why certain learning techniques work and others falter.

At the core of Make It Stick is the premise that effective learning is anything but easy. Contrary to popular belief, techniques that feel productive in the short term, such as underlining, highlighting, and rereading, often fail to embed lasting knowledge. Instead, the authors present evidence that more productive learning can be achieved through techniques that involve more effortful retrieval of information. Strategies like self-testing, spaced repetition, and interleaving practice sessions introduce desirable difficulties that, although counterintuitive, significantly enhance long-term retention and mastery.

Memory plays a pivotal role in our ability to perform complex cognitive tasks, such as problem-solving and drawing inferences. New insights into the processes of memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval reveal that the obstacles encountered during learning are essential for deeper comprehension and retention. By grappling with these impediments, learners are able to develop a more sophisticated understanding and a stronger grasp of the material.

The authors also highlight how many common study habits may create an illusion of mastery, leading to fleeting gains instead of durable knowledge. This is especially relevant for students, educators, trainers, and athletes who are looking to maximise their learning outcomes and achieve long-term success. Self-testing, for instance, not only assesses knowledge but also reinforces it, making it more readily accessible for future use. Additionally, spacing out study sessions and interleaving different topics or skills can further solidify learning, ensuring that the material is not only retained but also applied effectively in new contexts.

Make It Stick is an essential read for anyone committed to the pursuit of lifelong learning and self-improvement. By integrating research-backed techniques into your study routine, you can transform the way you learn and significantly enhance your capacity to retain and apply knowledge. Whether you're a student aiming for better grades, a teacher striving to improve your instructional methods, or an individual seeking to embrace new skills, this book offers invaluable insights into the art and science of learning.