Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 4086
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780674729018
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 2014-04-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Make It Stick challenges conventional wisdom about learning, revealing that the most effective methods are often the most challenging. The book draws on cognitive psychology to provide practical strategies for enhancing memory and comprehension, debunking common myths about learning styles and easy study habits. The authors emphasize the importance of grappling with difficulties, self-testing, and spaced repetition to achieve deep, durable learning. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their learning efficiency and retention, whether in academic, professional, or personal pursuits. By exploring the latest research on memory and learning, Make It Stick offers insights that can be applied to various fields, from education to sports and beyond. It provides a roadmap for overcoming the pitfalls of ineffective study habits and embracing techniques that truly stick. The book's practical advice is backed by scientific evidence, making it a valuable resource for lifelong learners and educators alike.

Reviews
LinkedIn · Peter Lloyd · 2023-04-20
enthusiastic 4.50

The book advocates for active, effortful practice as the key to real learning. It challenges passive learning methods and provides practical advice.

Peter Lloyd's review on LinkedIn underscores the book's central message that real learning comes from active, effortful practice rather than passive methods. He appreciates the book's challenge to conventional learning techniques, emphasizing that the harder, more active practice is what makes learning stick. The reviewer also highlights the practical advice offered, making it relevant for students, teachers, and anyone interested in lifelong learning. Lloyd's perspective aligns with the book's evidence-based approach, praising its ability to provide actionable insights that can be applied in various learning contexts. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book's content is evident, as they stress its importance in understanding the science behind effective learning.


Quick quotes

    Real learning comes not from easy, passive, sled-down-a-hill practice, but rather from the effortful, harder, active practice that makes learning stick.

    The book advocates for active, effortful practice as the key to real learning.

    It challenges passive learning methods and provides practical advice.

APA Online · 2020-02-19
valuable 4.00

The book emphasizes the importance of effortful learning and delayed feedback for better retention. It challenges common misconceptions about effective learning strategies.

The reviewer from APA Online points out that the book's key takeaway is the importance of effortful learning and the benefits of delayed feedback. They appreciate how the book challenges conventional wisdom about learning, highlighting that even though these methods might feel slower and less effective initially, they significantly improve mastery and retention. The reviewer also notes the practical applications of these insights, making the book a valuable resource for educators and learners alike. The emphasis on evidence-based strategies is particularly commended, as it provides a solid foundation for understanding and implementing effective learning techniques.


Quick quotes

    And while it feels slower and ineffective, it improves mastery and retention.

    Even a slight delay on receiving feedback, for example reviewing ...

    The book emphasizes the importance of effortful learning and delayed feedback for better retention.

Goodreads · 2014-04-14
good 3.50

The book provides a comprehensive overview of scientific insights into learning, which is highly beneficial. It has motivated the reader to resume their own learning journey.

This review highlights how the book effectively summarizes what science tells us about learning. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to inspire and motivate, particularly noting that it has encouraged them to pick up their own learning habits again. The practical insights and evidence-based strategies are praised for their usefulness, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving their learning techniques. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book's content is clear, as they emphasize its role in reigniting their passion for learning.


Quick quotes

    The book covers what science has to tell us about learning in general and it is good.

    And it is owing to this book that I'm resuming my old ...

    It is good.