Make It Stick Book Summary

The Science of Successful Learning

by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel140

TL;DR

Make It Stick explores effective learning strategies based on cognitive psychology, debunking common myths and providing techniques for more durable and effective learning.

What is Make It Stick about

Make It Stick, authored by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel, delves into the science behind successful learning. Drawing from recent discoveries in cognitive psychology, the book challenges conventional ideas about learning and offers evidence-based techniques that enhance memory retention and comprehension. It emphasizes the importance of grappling with learning challenges to achieve deeper mastery and long-term retention. Targeted at students, educators, and anyone interested in lifelong learning, the book provides practical strategies to improve learning efficiency.

Make It Stick 7 Key Takeaways

Effortful Retrieval

Engaging in self-testing and frequent low-stakes quizzes helps reinforce memory and strengthens learning by making retrieval practice more effortful.

Spacing Effect

Allowing time to pass between study sessions enhances retention by giving the brain time to consolidate memories, making the learning more durable.

Interleaved Practice

Mixing different topics or skills during practice sessions leads to better learning outcomes than focusing on one topic at a time, improving the brain's ability to differentiate and retrieve information.

Elaborative Interrogation

Asking 'why' questions and making connections to existing knowledge helps deepen understanding and improve memory retention by fostering meaningful learning.

Generation Effect

Attempting to answer questions or solve problems before being shown the solution enhances learning, as the effort to generate answers improves memory and comprehension.

Varied Practice

Practicing skills in varied contexts and formats helps generalize knowledge and makes it easier to apply learning to new situations.

Metacognitive Awareness

Being aware of one's own learning process and monitoring understanding helps identify effective strategies and adjust study habits for better outcomes.

Make It Stick Videos

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning - A Visual Summary

Top Make It Stick Quotes

  • 'Learning is deeper and more durable when it’s effortful. Learning that’s easy is like writing in sand, here today and gone tomorrow.'
  • 'The act of retrieving learning from memory has two profound benefits: it tells you what you know and don’t know, and it strengthens the memory itself.'

Who should read Make It Stick?

Make It Stick is ideal for students, educators, trainers, and lifelong learners seeking evidence-based strategies to improve their learning efficiency and retention. Readers will gain practical insights into how to study smarter, overcome learning challenges, and achieve deeper mastery of new knowledge and skills.

About the Author

Peter C. Brown is a writer and novelist specializing in nonfiction. Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel are cognitive psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis, known for their research on memory and learning. Together, they combine their expertise to provide practical, research-based insights into effective learning strategies in Make It Stick.

Make It Stick Best Reviews

  • 'Make It Stick is an essential read for anyone interested in the science of learning and memory. The authors provide clear, actionable strategies backed by solid research.' — The New York Times
  • 'This book is a game-changer for students and teachers alike. It debunks many myths about learning and offers practical advice on how to learn more effectively.' — Science Magazine

Make It Stick FAQs

What is the summary of Make It Stick?

Make It Stick teaches strategies to understand and remember what you learn, focusing on techniques like effortful retrieval and spaced repetition to enhance long-term retention and application of knowledge.

What type of book is Make It Stick?

Make It Stick is a study guide that delves into educational psychology, offering evidence-based learning strategies.

How many chapters are in Make It Stick?

Make It Stick consists of a short preface and eight chapters, each divided into sub-sections and ending with a takeaway that recaps the main ideas.