Make It Stick
Insights into science-backed learning strategies that boost memory and mastery.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Retrieval practice enhances learning and retention
- Interleaving practice improves ability to discriminate between problems
- Elaboration helps integrate new information with existing knowledge
- Self-testing identifies gaps in knowledge and reinforces learning
- Spaced repetition solidifies memories and understanding over time
- Reflection on learning bolsters memory and future application
- Learning is stronger when it requires effort and struggle
key point 1 of 7
Retrieval practice enhances learning and retention
Retrieval practice is a learning strategy where learners actively recall information from memory rather than merely rereading or reviewing material. This technique forces the brain to pull knowledge out, and this effortful retrieval leads to stronger learning and retention. It’s akin to testing oneself repeatedly rather than re-exposure to the material. The act of retrieving information helps to solidify it in memory and make it more accessible in the future…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
Interleaving practice improves ability to discriminate between problems
Interleaving practice is a learning technique that involves mixing together different topics or forms of practice, instead of focusing on one thing at a time. This method is suggested to be more effective for enhancing one’s ability to distinguish between similar problems. It pushes learners out of their comfort zone, requiring them to constantly switch gears and apply different strategies. This approach contrasts with blocked practice, where an individual would spend a considerable amount of time mastering one topic before moving to the next…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Elaboration helps integrate new information with existing knowledge
Elaboration is the process of giving new material meaning by expressing it in your own words and connecting it with what you already know. The book explains that by elaborating on a topic, we create a web of understanding, with new information tied to existing knowledge. This process enhances our ability to retrieve the new information later because it has been personalized and linked in multiple ways in our memory, creating a more durable learning experience…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Self-testing identifies gaps in knowledge and reinforces learning
Self-testing, also referred to as retrieval practice, is a cornerstone of the learning strategies advocated in the book. It is presented as an effective method for reinforcing learning and identifying areas where comprehension is lacking. The process involves trying to recall information from memory, which strengthens the neural pathways associated with that knowledge, making it more accessible in the future. The act of retrieval contributes to learning far more than simply rereading or reviewing notes, as it requires the brain to actively work to retrieve the information, enhancing long-term retention…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Spaced repetition solidifies memories and understanding over time
Spaced repetition is a learning technique highlighted in the text as a crucial strategy for reinforcing memory and enhancing understanding. It involves reviewing information at increasing intervals of time, rather than cramming in a single study session. The book stresses the importance of allowing some time to elapse between sessions to forget and re-learn the material, which strengthens the memory and the understanding of the content…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Reflection on learning bolsters memory and future application
Reflection is a crucial process for solidifying learning, enhancing memory, and preparing for future application of knowledge. The act of reflecting on what has been learned encourages the brain to reprocess information, which strengthens neural connections and aids in the retention of material. By taking the time to consider how new information relates to prior knowledge, learners can create more meaningful associations between concepts, which facilitates recall and understanding…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Learning is stronger when it requires effort and struggle
Learning that demands effort and struggle is often more enduring than learning that is easy. This is because difficult tasks force learners to process information more deeply and to engage in problem-solving. When a learner must work through challenges and overcome obstacles, the process of finding a solution tends to embed knowledge more firmly in their memory. This effortful learning promotes what is known as ‘desirable difficulties’, which are learning conditions that require a significant effort and slow the apparent speed of learning but ultimately lead to better retention of information in the long term…Read&Listen More