What do you think?
Rate this book
The Science of Accelerated Learning: Advanced Strategies for Quicker Comprehension, Greater Retention, and Systematic Expertise
Make painless, exciting, habitual, and self-motivating. Absorb info like a human sponge. We’ve never been taught how to learn, and that’s a shame. This book is the key to reversing all the misconceptions you have and making learning fun again. Scientifically-proven, step-by-step methods for effective learning. The Science of Accelerated Learning is not a textbook - it’s a guidebook for your journeys in learning. It will show you the most effective methods, the pitfalls we must avoid, and the habits we must cultivate. This book is highly organized and addresses all phases of the learning process, from creating a positive environment, to the biological basis of memory, to learning theories, and more. It borrows from multiple scientific disciplines to present comprehensive techniques to simply learn more, faster. Master your approach and save countless hours. Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience. Smarter, faster, and better ways to achieve expertise. • The physical and psychological pre-conditions to effective learning. • How our memory works and how to make it work for you. • The learning techniques that work - with evidence. • How to never need to cram again. Tame distractions and procrastination through specialized habits. • Why Einstein loved to play violin while working. • The learning mistakes you are probably committing right now. • Steps to building true expertise. • How to teach effectively, and teach to learn. Outpace others, beat the competition, and get where you want to go in record time. Learning to learn is one of the most valuable skills you will ever possess because it unlocks everything you want in life. You will better grades, better work product, better relationships, more enjoyable hobbies, and each day you will grow closer to the life you truly want. It unlocks the paths you can take, and it unlocks the happiness you can potentially feel. Learning is growing, and life without growing is not a life worth living. Save your valuable time by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page. This is the fourth book in the “Learning how to Learn” series as listed 1.The Science of How to Teach Yourself Anything, Learn More in Less Time, and Direct Your Own Education 2.The Science of Rapid Skill Advanced Methods to Learn, Remember, and Master New Skills and Information [Second Edition] 3.The Self-Learning A Strategic Plan to Break Down Complex Topics, Comprehend Deeply, and Teach Yourself Anything 4.The Science of Accelerated Advanced Strategies for Quicker Comprehension, Greater Retention, and Systematic Expertise 5.Learn Like Memorize More, Read Faster, Focus Better, and Master Anything With Ease… Become An Expert in Record Time (Accelerated Learning) 6.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2017
605 people are currently reading
1288 people want to read
About the author
Peter Hollins
139 books357 followersPeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a student of the human condition. He possesses a BS in psychology and a graduate degree.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 6, 2020
I’m particularly interested in learning and have read books by researchers Carol Dweck, K. Anders Ericsson and others; I’m also an active self learner and former college instructor. I’d hoped to come away from this with different tips or strategies at least, but was disappointed to see nothing new.
February 1, 2020
A book on 'Accelerated Learning' by Peter Collins but unfortunately nothing new to learn in this one. A few ideas which I had learnt in other books but are repeated here.
1. Learn in small blocks, rest is important.
2. Retrieval practice is important for memory.
3. Active learning - use the Feynman technique.
4. Use ‘spaced repetition’.
5. Make learning play.
6. Have a growth mindset, don't get trapped by mistakes.
7. Use deliberate practice to build expertise.
8. Teaching is the best form of learning.
9. Persistence and discipline is key to learning .
I would instead recommend my favorite book on learning – A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley. The title may make it look like a book on math, but it’s all about learning.
1. Learn in small blocks, rest is important.
2. Retrieval practice is important for memory.
3. Active learning - use the Feynman technique.
4. Use ‘spaced repetition’.
5. Make learning play.
6. Have a growth mindset, don't get trapped by mistakes.
7. Use deliberate practice to build expertise.
8. Teaching is the best form of learning.
9. Persistence and discipline is key to learning .
I would instead recommend my favorite book on learning – A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley. The title may make it look like a book on math, but it’s all about learning.
January 3, 2018
Great summary - could be more actionable
Good summary of various thoughts, processes and patterns for learning effectively. Personally would liked to have seen more detail on *applying* everything discussed.
Good summary of various thoughts, processes and patterns for learning effectively. Personally would liked to have seen more detail on *applying* everything discussed.
February 24, 2018
This is a very well written book on what actually does and does not accelerate learning. I especially love that it corrects some common misunderstandings about learning (such as cramming and learning styles) and it has practical methods to apply. The only reason it’s not five stars is that it’s short. That might be a bonus to many, but I know that it left out some critical points in an effort to stay short. Great starting place, though.
March 5, 2018
This is short and to the point. Not all that chit chatting, which is usually irrelevant. I like that a lot. It is not the first book I read about learning, but I would say that this is a good summary of all the things that are worth remembering on that subject. There are eight or so chapters, where each could easily fill an entire book in itself. This is the skimmed version with the key takeaways.
March 12, 2018
Excellent book to improve your learning skills.
Very easy to follow and to immediate apply to day to day challenges and situations. Clear and direct tips to apply.
Very easy to follow and to immediate apply to day to day challenges and situations. Clear and direct tips to apply.
July 11, 2019
When i had read "A mind for numbers" i thought it covered pretty much everything. It's incredible how much he manages to cover in just 35k words. Even adds very practical stuff to the learning process. 0 fluff, straight to the point. Already checking couple of his other work.
Could just elaborate a little more on techniques and add more details to the methods.
Could just elaborate a little more on techniques and add more details to the methods.
July 6, 2020
Succinct.
June 19, 2019
First of all, I would consider myself a quite experienced person in the fields covered in this book. Therefore, I got confronted by topics I already was familiar with. But still, I would like to give a brief overview about the things I came across while reading.
Pro:
- The book contains multiple important facts, especially at the beginning. You'll learn that it is important to not overdo your learning, i.e. taking breaks and not exceeding the 50min mark per learning schedule. You'll also get a brief explanation on why it is important to repeat the material you want to learn on a regular basis and why it is crucial for your learning progress to be successful to learn actively by speaking out loud, questioning yourself and teaching others.
Con:
- Firstly, the font-size the book is written in is way too big. I compared it to similar books about this topic and the headlines of these books aren't quite as big as the regular text in this one. If written in a smaller font-size, this book would approximately contain <180 instead of 218 pages which is hilarious if you think about how expensive this book actually is (about 13€ in EU).
- Furthermore, while reading I came to believe that one of the main purposes of the author while writing this book was to fill as much pages as possible. At the end, there is a summary of all the important facts which is about 9 pages long. Of course, the idea behind this is quite nice. But that is not the case if you get the same summary written in the exact same words at the end of each chapter.
- Moreover, not everything covered in this book is helpful for a student which main goal is to improve the way he or she learns (which is actually the reason why many people buy this kind of literature). Especially at the end of the book, we get confronted by more or less useless facts about how to give good feedback, how to become an expert at something (hint: the notorious 10.000 hour-rule) and more. Of course, this kind of information can be beneficial too. But in my opinion, the author should’ve focused on a more elaborate explanation of the more relevant topics.
- Lastly, many of the topics covered in this book just scratch at the surface. If your main goal is to get a deeper understanding about how we learn - especially about what is going on in your brain while learning, for example to use this kind of information to learn in a way which suits your nervous system better - you should definitely choose another one.
Pro:
- The book contains multiple important facts, especially at the beginning. You'll learn that it is important to not overdo your learning, i.e. taking breaks and not exceeding the 50min mark per learning schedule. You'll also get a brief explanation on why it is important to repeat the material you want to learn on a regular basis and why it is crucial for your learning progress to be successful to learn actively by speaking out loud, questioning yourself and teaching others.
Con:
- Firstly, the font-size the book is written in is way too big. I compared it to similar books about this topic and the headlines of these books aren't quite as big as the regular text in this one. If written in a smaller font-size, this book would approximately contain <180 instead of 218 pages which is hilarious if you think about how expensive this book actually is (about 13€ in EU).
- Furthermore, while reading I came to believe that one of the main purposes of the author while writing this book was to fill as much pages as possible. At the end, there is a summary of all the important facts which is about 9 pages long. Of course, the idea behind this is quite nice. But that is not the case if you get the same summary written in the exact same words at the end of each chapter.
- Moreover, not everything covered in this book is helpful for a student which main goal is to improve the way he or she learns (which is actually the reason why many people buy this kind of literature). Especially at the end of the book, we get confronted by more or less useless facts about how to give good feedback, how to become an expert at something (hint: the notorious 10.000 hour-rule) and more. Of course, this kind of information can be beneficial too. But in my opinion, the author should’ve focused on a more elaborate explanation of the more relevant topics.
- Lastly, many of the topics covered in this book just scratch at the surface. If your main goal is to get a deeper understanding about how we learn - especially about what is going on in your brain while learning, for example to use this kind of information to learn in a way which suits your nervous system better - you should definitely choose another one.
October 23, 2018
A great and helpful book if you want to learn about learning. There are many references to studies and examples so that you can find out more about those parts you are interested the most. Many of our learning habits are counter-productive and often our hardest believes have no bearing in science. This book addresses those myths and gives examples on how to do it better. However, I had hoped for more actionable advice than it offers.
December 25, 2017
Just ok
Fairly obvious summary of the stuff you can read in self improvement blog posts by in large. Maybe good for ppl that have never read gladwell or such.
Fairly obvious summary of the stuff you can read in self improvement blog posts by in large. Maybe good for ppl that have never read gladwell or such.
February 15, 2018
This book should receive more highlights that it deserves. Every topic of the books is simple and beautifully structured to enhance learning.
Techniques like productive failure, recalling, asking why, and concept learning are not new, yet Peter has summed them up in a way that all of them can be done in daily settings.
Techniques like productive failure, recalling, asking why, and concept learning are not new, yet Peter has summed them up in a way that all of them can be done in daily settings.
August 25, 2022
Though the content does not seem to be any original work from Peter Hollins himself the literature review and the build up of facts is remarkable. The data is presented in a very concise manner which is both appealing and time efficient. Highly recommend this as a read for both students and teachers alike irrespective of their age or field of education.
May 28, 2021
I love to learn, so anything I read that helps with that endeavor is greatly appreciated and time well-spent. This book is a tool I will mentally shelve in a way that is readily available and accessible when needed. In other words, I will keep it for reference!
I was amazed to find that I already utilized some of the techniques taught in this book. I was a straight-A student; and, I contribute much of that to my ability to effectively study and learn! Many of those techniques were mentioned in this book. Teaching is one: As a student, after studying, I always relayed the information to a room full of no one to recite what I had just studied, access retention, and determine what I learned. This allowed me to determine my weaknesses. I would use this as a tool to re-read and re-study the areas of weakness. This saved me during a test or during an exam. Had I not taught what I had learned (even if it was to a room full of no one), I would not have discovered this weakness. Teaching back what I learned helped me strengthen areas of confusion or weakness that I wouldn't have been aware of had I not used this technique. I wasn't caught off-guard on questions during an exam because I had already identified the area requiring more study before being tested and therefore was able to answer the question correctly when it most counted. It's on those questions that I still know the correct response. In a sense, I "failed" during the study period (teaching), corrected the weakness at that time; and, that nugget of information (whatever it may be) has stayed with me.
I was a very good note-taker and studier in school, but my notes were never organized. I was a messy note-taker! One of my big takeaways from this book will be the Cornell Method of note-taking. I will use that!
I validate one of the topics discussed in this book: asking "why" to help learn. My AP English teacher used this question, regularly. Learning WHY a sentence was or was not grammatically correct helped me store and recall that lesson years later! Why is it, "This is she" rather than "This is her". Stuff like that. I consider that teacher to be one of the best I ever had!!!!
As mentioned, I was happy to know that I had created some of the techniques mentioned in this book - on my own. Not sure how or why, but I did. I had a lot of motivation to learn and do well in school, so I'll use that as the reason I was able to come up with those techniques on my own. I was just as pleased to learn of techniques I had not yet discovered and will use them!
I was somewhat anxious when I set out to write this review because I wasn't sure I had retained enough about the book to write this! This was an exercise in "teaching" (reciting) on topics I learned from this book. I am glad I fought the anxiety and wrote this review despite my fear! In writing this review, I realize I learned more from reading this book than I previously thought! Thank you!
I was amazed to find that I already utilized some of the techniques taught in this book. I was a straight-A student; and, I contribute much of that to my ability to effectively study and learn! Many of those techniques were mentioned in this book. Teaching is one: As a student, after studying, I always relayed the information to a room full of no one to recite what I had just studied, access retention, and determine what I learned. This allowed me to determine my weaknesses. I would use this as a tool to re-read and re-study the areas of weakness. This saved me during a test or during an exam. Had I not taught what I had learned (even if it was to a room full of no one), I would not have discovered this weakness. Teaching back what I learned helped me strengthen areas of confusion or weakness that I wouldn't have been aware of had I not used this technique. I wasn't caught off-guard on questions during an exam because I had already identified the area requiring more study before being tested and therefore was able to answer the question correctly when it most counted. It's on those questions that I still know the correct response. In a sense, I "failed" during the study period (teaching), corrected the weakness at that time; and, that nugget of information (whatever it may be) has stayed with me.
I was a very good note-taker and studier in school, but my notes were never organized. I was a messy note-taker! One of my big takeaways from this book will be the Cornell Method of note-taking. I will use that!
I validate one of the topics discussed in this book: asking "why" to help learn. My AP English teacher used this question, regularly. Learning WHY a sentence was or was not grammatically correct helped me store and recall that lesson years later! Why is it, "This is she" rather than "This is her". Stuff like that. I consider that teacher to be one of the best I ever had!!!!
As mentioned, I was happy to know that I had created some of the techniques mentioned in this book - on my own. Not sure how or why, but I did. I had a lot of motivation to learn and do well in school, so I'll use that as the reason I was able to come up with those techniques on my own. I was just as pleased to learn of techniques I had not yet discovered and will use them!
I was somewhat anxious when I set out to write this review because I wasn't sure I had retained enough about the book to write this! This was an exercise in "teaching" (reciting) on topics I learned from this book. I am glad I fought the anxiety and wrote this review despite my fear! In writing this review, I realize I learned more from reading this book than I previously thought! Thank you!
March 20, 2018
This book provides both scientific study proofs and practical methodologies of how to learn quickly and master something, any skill or knowledge. It uses learning science or literal classes as examples but I think the methods would also be expanded to anything you want to learn or master, such as new knowledge at work, an instrument or other things. It is a little bit general, for different skills, you might want to find their specific ways to learn. For example, the tricks to learn a language might be different to learn an instrument. I would recommend it to anybody who is a life-learner but haven't found an efficient way to learn. Also, as the book mentioned, reading a book cannot make you master the skill immediately, you need constant practice and self-examinations. Happy learning, everyone!
August 6, 2018
An Energizer
Though I'm yet to actively implement any of the strategies that Hollins has mentioned, I see the immense value in the steps he has clarified down for the lost learner. He has helped pinpoint more than a few failures in my present learning strategy, as I begin to prepare for a really tough examination and am often in danger of demotivation and depression. Thank you, Peter, for that.
Another thing I noticed was that there was no smug twaddle in the book. The tone is more of a teacher or a guide who is evidently interested in the reader's progress. I can see why the book had good ratings; I blew through it in around 2 hours and came away with a lot more insight on my learning process.
With references to expert studies and a lot of examples, Hollins makes a strong case for picking yourself up, dusting off and trying one more time.
Though I'm yet to actively implement any of the strategies that Hollins has mentioned, I see the immense value in the steps he has clarified down for the lost learner. He has helped pinpoint more than a few failures in my present learning strategy, as I begin to prepare for a really tough examination and am often in danger of demotivation and depression. Thank you, Peter, for that.
Another thing I noticed was that there was no smug twaddle in the book. The tone is more of a teacher or a guide who is evidently interested in the reader's progress. I can see why the book had good ratings; I blew through it in around 2 hours and came away with a lot more insight on my learning process.
With references to expert studies and a lot of examples, Hollins makes a strong case for picking yourself up, dusting off and trying one more time.
August 31, 2018
Conversation on the Modern Key to Success
I read this book in supplement with Accelerated Learning by Leonard Bell and found this book much more enjoyable in comparison. It goes over how not to learn, how to be better in acquisition of knowledge, obstacles, and ways to test how deep our knowledge really runs.
Leonard Bell's book was more rigid and I am skeptical on if playing classical music really improves learning ability. Peter provides a better overview of the whole process with several leads on how to remove bad study habits and replace them with better ones.
Anyone in college or requiring the passing of an exam or test to further their career should read this book; if you're going to bother to learn you may as well learn how to learn correctly.
I read this book in supplement with Accelerated Learning by Leonard Bell and found this book much more enjoyable in comparison. It goes over how not to learn, how to be better in acquisition of knowledge, obstacles, and ways to test how deep our knowledge really runs.
Leonard Bell's book was more rigid and I am skeptical on if playing classical music really improves learning ability. Peter provides a better overview of the whole process with several leads on how to remove bad study habits and replace them with better ones.
Anyone in college or requiring the passing of an exam or test to further their career should read this book; if you're going to bother to learn you may as well learn how to learn correctly.
January 26, 2019
This book is pure gold. It is short and to the point, packed with many explanations and much scientific information about the topic of learning. Peter writes straightforward about facts, studies and learning methods one after another. This book is a good entry point if you are curious to learn about how we learn. I also recommend the free Coursera course "Learning How To Learn" (or the book "A Mind Full Of Numbers") from Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski. Peter also quotes some other books worth considering, e.g. "Make It Stick". I listened to the audiobook version of this book which is read by Pete himself, but I will also buy the book to have a solid summary and reference about the topic.
July 24, 2019
It certainly is a go for someone who want to take a first approach of systemizing his learning and cutting out all habits (and by 99% you need to do both) as it uses palpaple language and totally easy descriptions to talk to you and improve you learning. I met mostly concepts like interleaving, spacing or a vague description of memory in contrast to the analogy (Bob Bjork) that memory is not as a box but a scaffolding structure (the more knots the more place is there to put things). It says memory consists of neural paths simply instead. It has a lot of positive talk to. As a writer he is rather a 'pedestrian'. I ll give him though 3 Stars for his decent little of work.
May 19, 2020
The book is an easy read. Entertaining at times as well as eye-opening. Many of the principles and techniques are not necessarily new. I appreciated that the author provided a constructive critique of several so-called techniques for learning that box in the learner. I especially appreciated that the author highlighted several learning techniques that are under criticism without giving his personal opinion.
January 19, 2019
This is a great book that I will ensure my kids read before starting school! It was a quick easy read with actionable and easy steps. I love reading books like this, I can apply what I learnt instantly into my life or business. If you are someone who loves learning or teaching, then this is a must read for you!
March 27, 2019
A book encompasses numerous useful methods of learning which should taught to every teacher, child , parent and organisation.
Learning is a life long process which will help us to become better version of self and this book helps to navigate this journey to time-tasted and easier paths.
Implementation of this methods will be challenging but will worth the effort.
Learning is a life long process which will help us to become better version of self and this book helps to navigate this journey to time-tasted and easier paths.
Implementation of this methods will be challenging but will worth the effort.
April 10, 2019
Excellent Source for Instructors
While I did not agree with the 20/80 rule as outlined in this book, the other topics are valuable for educators at all levels. It provides a great reminder and highlights common myths we sometimes take for granted as true. Must read and keep for reference.
While I did not agree with the 20/80 rule as outlined in this book, the other topics are valuable for educators at all levels. It provides a great reminder and highlights common myths we sometimes take for granted as true. Must read and keep for reference.
January 9, 2022
This was someone an analysis and self help in ways to better learn. Throughout the text the writer gives both research about the subject and methodology to gain techniques in the development of learning skills. It might be good to for both teachers and students. Giving insight to both in how one learns.
May 26, 2018
This is a good introduction of science of Learning. This is a small book. Go for it if you haven't read any other book about this topic. Although, "Make it stick" and "How we learn" are more enjoyable reads.
Read it if you want a quick introduction of science of learning and you like thin books.
Read it if you want a quick introduction of science of learning and you like thin books.
March 26, 2019
This book felt like a short summary of the central points of some classic books (Dweck, Kahneman etc.). I've taken away a few new things, but overall, it doesn't live up to its title for me. If you are new to learning, it might just be the right entry point.
July 1, 2019
An easy to listen to book. There are enough new concepts in here to help accelerate your learning. Yes you may have heard of several of the tools and tactics mentioned in the book before and the way they are strung together will still help you learn faster.
September 5, 2019
Great Read for college students.
I wish i read this book when i started undergrad. This is a very easy to read guide on how to learn which is overlooked by so many. It's a must read of you're going into a stem major.
I wish i read this book when i started undergrad. This is a very easy to read guide on how to learn which is overlooked by so many. It's a must read of you're going into a stem major.
January 23, 2020
The book is like a summary of all the learning tricks. This book just gives you heads up on how to take notes and remember them. It gives some idea about how the learning should be done. The book could have been elaborate but serves the purpose.
December 28, 2020
Another a Great a Book in a Series of 12
Peter Hollings sheds new light on the never ending subject of learning how to learn. I always wondered how to develop good study habits, this book leads the way.
Peter Hollings sheds new light on the never ending subject of learning how to learn. I always wondered how to develop good study habits, this book leads the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews