Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

by Peter C Brown
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Waterstones
Hardback • £28.95
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  • ID: 4086
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780674729018
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 2014-04-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

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
Rebecca Platt's Blog · Rebecca Platt · 2025-02-15
positive 4.50

The book provides great advice supported by numerous references, making it a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their learning.

Rebecca Platt's review emphasizes the book's great advice and the extensive references that support it. She finds the book to be a comprehensive guide to effective learning strategies. The reviewer highly recommends it to anyone interested in improving their learning techniques. The book is praised for its practical and well-researched content, making it a valuable addition to any learner's library.

Quick quotes

    It has great advice - and plenty of references to support it all - so it would be remiss of me not to encourage you to read it too.

    The book provides great advice supported by numerous references.

    It is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their learning.

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.

Mountain Beltway · 2017-09-20
fascinating 4.50

The book is a fascinating account of empirical research on successful learning. It is engaging and stimulating, particularly the discussion on effective learning strategies.

The reviewer finds the book to be a fascinating account of the empirical research on how people successfully learn. They highlight that the book is absolutely engaging and stimulating, particularly the sections discussing effective learning strategies. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the research presented and the practical applications of the learning theories discussed. They recommend it to anyone interested in improving their learning techniques.

Quick quotes

    It's a fascinating account of the empirical research about how people successfully learn.

    I found it absolutely engaging and stimulating, in particular the discussion on effective learning strategies.

    The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their learning techniques.

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