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Learn Like a Pro
A book for learners of all ages containing the best and most updated advice on learning from neuroscience and cognitive psychology.
Do you spend too much time learning with disappointing results? Do you find it difficult to remember what you read? Do you put off studying because it's boring and you're easily distracted? This book is for you.
Dr. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe have both struggled in the past with their learning. But they have found techniques to help them master any material. Building on insights from neuroscience and cognitive
psychology, they give you a crash course to improve your ability to learn, no matter what the subject is. Through their decades of writing, teaching, and research on learning, the authors have developed deep connections with experts from a vast array of disciplines. And it's all honed with feedback from thousands of students who have themselves gone through the trenches of learning. Successful learners gradually add tools and techniques to their mental toolbox, and they think critically about their learning to determine when and how to best use their mental tools. That allows these learners to make the best use of their brains, whether those brains seem "naturally" geared toward learning or not. This book will teach you how you can do the same.
Do you spend too much time learning with disappointing results? Do you find it difficult to remember what you read? Do you put off studying because it's boring and you're easily distracted? This book is for you.
Dr. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe have both struggled in the past with their learning. But they have found techniques to help them master any material. Building on insights from neuroscience and cognitive
psychology, they give you a crash course to improve your ability to learn, no matter what the subject is. Through their decades of writing, teaching, and research on learning, the authors have developed deep connections with experts from a vast array of disciplines. And it's all honed with feedback from thousands of students who have themselves gone through the trenches of learning. Successful learners gradually add tools and techniques to their mental toolbox, and they think critically about their learning to determine when and how to best use their mental tools. That allows these learners to make the best use of their brains, whether those brains seem "naturally" geared toward learning or not. This book will teach you how you can do the same.
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
515 people are currently reading
3621 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Oakley
40 books1,275 followersBarbara Oakley, PhD, a 'female Indiana Jones,' is one of the few women to hold a doctorate in systems engineering. She chronicled her adventures on Soviet fishing boats in the Bering Sea in Hair of the Dog: Tales from Aboard a Russian Trawler. She also served as a radio operator in Antarctica and rose from private to captain in the U.S. Army. Now an associate professor of engineering at Oakland University in Michigan, Oakley is a recent vice president of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from The New York Times to the IEEE Transactions on Nanobioscience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
July 17, 2025
4.5
~~~~~
Thought of the day: Timed 25-Minute Tasks ("Pomodoros"): - Remove distractions & focus on your task for 25 minutes, use a timer (focused attention). Take a short 5 minute break, reward yourself. Repeat and return to task.
~~~~~
- Timed 25-Minute Tasks ("Pomodoros"): - remove distractions, complete mental breaks (no cellphone)
- Diffuse thinking (vs. focused mode): Start difficult task before break/bed
- Writing: First draft in quick diffuse mode without editing: Cover or turn off computer screen!
- Exercise after cognitive tasks
- Notetaking: Split page vertically – Right side: main ideas. Left side: summary words/phrases. (Study by covering right side & recalling using left side)
- Notetaking: Concept mapping
- Memorizing: Visual images with motion. Gestures when learning new words.
- Procedural (vs. Declarative) system used in most learning: Internalize patterns, so recognize intuitively. Interleaving: alternate bet. different types of problems to recognize patterns faster
- Writing (Franklin): Take writing/paragraph you admire. Write 1-2 words for key ideas of each sentence. Use keywords to aid recall of each sentence. How is original sentence better?
- Self-Discipline: Reduce need for it. Make tough choices easy (e.g., prepare desk/gym gear, alarm in inconvenient location). Eliminate temptations & distractions (e.g., put cellphone in other room). Plan ideal ways to respond to distractions. Create meaningful deadlines & involve others.
- Motivation: Long-term goal – photo or object as reminder.
- Smart Goals: Specific (concrete), Measurable, Ambitious, Realistic, Time-limited
- Effective Reading: Not speed reading. Annotations incl. relationship bet. concepts, your examples.
► Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day by Sam Bennett – creativity, focus, projects
► Learn to Concentrate: For Business People, Students and Sports Performers by Aidan P. Moran – attention, reading, procrastination
► Fast Asleep: How to Get a Really Good Night's Rest by Michael Mosley – insomnia, diet, health conditions
► Conquering Chronic Disorganization by Judith Kolberg – personal & emotional organizing, creative
► Death Stake by Andrew Mayne – memory, learning
~~~~~
Thought of the day: Timed 25-Minute Tasks ("Pomodoros"): - Remove distractions & focus on your task for 25 minutes, use a timer (focused attention). Take a short 5 minute break, reward yourself. Repeat and return to task.
~~~~~
- Timed 25-Minute Tasks ("Pomodoros"): - remove distractions, complete mental breaks (no cellphone)
- Diffuse thinking (vs. focused mode): Start difficult task before break/bed
- Writing: First draft in quick diffuse mode without editing: Cover or turn off computer screen!
- Exercise after cognitive tasks
- Notetaking: Split page vertically – Right side: main ideas. Left side: summary words/phrases. (Study by covering right side & recalling using left side)
- Notetaking: Concept mapping
- Memorizing: Visual images with motion. Gestures when learning new words.
- Procedural (vs. Declarative) system used in most learning: Internalize patterns, so recognize intuitively. Interleaving: alternate bet. different types of problems to recognize patterns faster
- Writing (Franklin): Take writing/paragraph you admire. Write 1-2 words for key ideas of each sentence. Use keywords to aid recall of each sentence. How is original sentence better?
- Self-Discipline: Reduce need for it. Make tough choices easy (e.g., prepare desk/gym gear, alarm in inconvenient location). Eliminate temptations & distractions (e.g., put cellphone in other room). Plan ideal ways to respond to distractions. Create meaningful deadlines & involve others.
- Motivation: Long-term goal – photo or object as reminder.
- Smart Goals: Specific (concrete), Measurable, Ambitious, Realistic, Time-limited
- Effective Reading: Not speed reading. Annotations incl. relationship bet. concepts, your examples.
► Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day by Sam Bennett – creativity, focus, projects
► Learn to Concentrate: For Business People, Students and Sports Performers by Aidan P. Moran – attention, reading, procrastination
► Fast Asleep: How to Get a Really Good Night's Rest by Michael Mosley – insomnia, diet, health conditions
► Conquering Chronic Disorganization by Judith Kolberg – personal & emotional organizing, creative
► Death Stake by Andrew Mayne – memory, learning
July 16, 2021
Learn Like a Pro is a short read of actionable advice about how to learn effectively. It is definitely geared towards students in high school or early college but has advice that would generally be useful for anyone interested in learning skills and knowledge. The advice and techniques in the book are useful. I didn’t learn anything new from this book. If you have read other learning material or taken a cognitive psychology class, you will already know everything in the book, including many of the techniques. However, this book is one of the most succinct descriptions and easily actionable advice that I have come across.
There are some deficits with the book. In general, the neuroscience/cognitive psychology explanations behind many of the techniques are lacking. Occasionally the authors use cognitive psychology or neuroscience to make a statement that ought to be a hypothesis. For example, talking about Von Neumann’s prowess and mental math, the authors say, “Von Neumann could perform such remarkable feats in his head because he had an extraordinary working memory.” As far as I know, no one assessed Von Neumann’s working memory. However, I’m sure he would have loved that the random access or register memory in his von Neumann computing architecture is consistently used as metaphors for the concept of working memory now. Von Neumann may have performed such remarkable feats in his head because he had built good computational skills through practice or other reasons that have been observed and documented in other people who excel at mental math.
The chapter “how to overcome being stuck” is particularly weak in its description of a “focus” and “diffuse” mode. The mapping of a “focused” mode and “diffuse” mode onto task-positive and default-mode networks in neuroscience is not consistent with the idea that the diffuse mode can run simultaneously with the focus mode or that the diffuse mode turns on when you blink. The metaphor describing the diffuse mode is tiny drones that can zip quickly over a maze of paths that can “easily make connections between parts of the brain that may not normally be connected.” I know it’s just a metaphor, but they don’t provide any scientific evidence supporting their descriptions at all. It’s a pet peeve of mine when writers use neuroscience to justify some technique but then do a poor job explaining what is known and what isn’t known and loosely connect many vague ideas, as is done here. It would be better to focus on the techniques themselves (e.g., studies have shown that if you take a break, you learn better than if you try to focus on the task the whole time.)
I also felt that book was missing some key concepts in learning. There should be a whole chapter devoted to the retention and the degradation of unused memories. Another chapter should discuss plasticity over the lifespan. The book discusses the benefit of building good representations and meta-cognition but doesn’t discuss the beneficial role of expert assessment, tutoring, or coaching who already have these good representations to help identify where the gaps are. Using rewards to enhance motivation can be complex, with both possible beneficial and negative side effects.
Overall, I would say the book is great for someone unfamiliar with these ideas, although that might be rare for someone interested in reading the book! It seems like every other clickbaity blog post I see about psychology touches on at least one of the chapters in the book. The book offers great lists of key points, digestible in five minutes for someone just looking for a quick review, even for the previously educated. Since I was not too fond of most of the attempts at explaining why the techniques are useful in terms of brain science, I honestly think the book would have been more useful as a list, readable in 5 minutes, posted on Medium.
There are some deficits with the book. In general, the neuroscience/cognitive psychology explanations behind many of the techniques are lacking. Occasionally the authors use cognitive psychology or neuroscience to make a statement that ought to be a hypothesis. For example, talking about Von Neumann’s prowess and mental math, the authors say, “Von Neumann could perform such remarkable feats in his head because he had an extraordinary working memory.” As far as I know, no one assessed Von Neumann’s working memory. However, I’m sure he would have loved that the random access or register memory in his von Neumann computing architecture is consistently used as metaphors for the concept of working memory now. Von Neumann may have performed such remarkable feats in his head because he had built good computational skills through practice or other reasons that have been observed and documented in other people who excel at mental math.
The chapter “how to overcome being stuck” is particularly weak in its description of a “focus” and “diffuse” mode. The mapping of a “focused” mode and “diffuse” mode onto task-positive and default-mode networks in neuroscience is not consistent with the idea that the diffuse mode can run simultaneously with the focus mode or that the diffuse mode turns on when you blink. The metaphor describing the diffuse mode is tiny drones that can zip quickly over a maze of paths that can “easily make connections between parts of the brain that may not normally be connected.” I know it’s just a metaphor, but they don’t provide any scientific evidence supporting their descriptions at all. It’s a pet peeve of mine when writers use neuroscience to justify some technique but then do a poor job explaining what is known and what isn’t known and loosely connect many vague ideas, as is done here. It would be better to focus on the techniques themselves (e.g., studies have shown that if you take a break, you learn better than if you try to focus on the task the whole time.)
I also felt that book was missing some key concepts in learning. There should be a whole chapter devoted to the retention and the degradation of unused memories. Another chapter should discuss plasticity over the lifespan. The book discusses the benefit of building good representations and meta-cognition but doesn’t discuss the beneficial role of expert assessment, tutoring, or coaching who already have these good representations to help identify where the gaps are. Using rewards to enhance motivation can be complex, with both possible beneficial and negative side effects.
Overall, I would say the book is great for someone unfamiliar with these ideas, although that might be rare for someone interested in reading the book! It seems like every other clickbaity blog post I see about psychology touches on at least one of the chapters in the book. The book offers great lists of key points, digestible in five minutes for someone just looking for a quick review, even for the previously educated. Since I was not too fond of most of the attempts at explaining why the techniques are useful in terms of brain science, I honestly think the book would have been more useful as a list, readable in 5 minutes, posted on Medium.
January 5, 2025
اودیوبوک این کتاب رو گوش دادم و در برخی قسمت ها به ایپاب مراجعه کردم تا نکاتی رو در بیارم. از اودیوبوکهایی بود که خیلی وقته تو گوشیمه و داشت خاک میخورد.
این کتاب یه مدل راهنما برای یادگیری بهتر، شاید غلبه بر اهمالکاری و یکمم مدیریت مطالعهست. نویسنده اومده همه چی رو ساده و کاربردی توضیح داده و در نهایت جمعبندیهای خوبی هم کرده. راجع به تمرکز و تکنیکهای یادگیری و انتقال به حافظه و جلوگیری از خستگی ذهن صحبت کرده بود.
اون وسط یه سری نرم افزار/سایت خوب برا هرکدوم از بخشهای معرفی کرده بود و در آخر هم یه سری کتاب و مقاله معرفی کرده بود.
یه چیز جالبیش که بحث کرده بود تکنیک پومودورو بود.
این تکنیکه چی میگه؟
میگه برای مقابله با اهمالکاری اول بیا عوامل حواسپرتیت رو حذف کن، بعد تایمر بذار و بیست و پنج دقیقه با تمرکز(حداکثر تمرکزی که میتونی بذاری) کار کن، بعد ۵ دقیقه استراحت کن و این چرخه رو انقدر تکرار کن تا کارت تموم بشه. اینطوری هم خسته نمیشی، هم ذهنت منظمتر کار میکنه.
در ارتباط با حس بدی که موقع اهمال کاری داری میگه که شروع کن این حسه از بین میره.
A pain in the brain can trigger procrastination. Be aware of minor feelings of discomfort when you think about something you don’t like to do—these feelings can trigger procrastination. That pain in the brain dissipates once you get started.
اینجا میگه بطور کلی بهتره مولتیتسک نکنی اما گاهی باعث میشه از بنبست مغزی و فکری خارج بشی.
multitasking is not all bad—it can sometimes help you avoid becoming fixed on a cognitive approach that’s going nowhere.
جلوتر که میای توضیح داده وقتی گیر میکنی و تو لوپ باطل میوفتی، نباید خودت رو اذیت کنی، بلکه باید به مغزت فرصت بدی که خودش توی حالت دیفیوز مشکل رو حل کنه.
اصلا راجع به حالت فوکس و دیفیوز مغز میگه که برای مسائل آشناتر حالت فوکس و برای چالشهای جدیدتر دیفیوز مفیده.
از راهکار های دیگهای که میگه اینه که اول مسئله سختهارو شروع کن اما اگه هرجا گیر کردی، سراغ مسائل سادهتر برو و بعد برگرد.
از کل نکاتی که میگه یه سری تیتروار بیارم:
هنگام نوشتن پیشنویس، ویرایش نکن. بعدا برگرد ویرایشت رو انجام بده.
یه تاکید روی تمرین فعال داره. یعنی صرفا نخونی و حفظ نکنی. باید خودت رو تست کنی، توضیح بدی و مطالب رو به چیزایی که قبلا یاد گرفتی وصل کنی.
ورزش، خواب و تغذیه سالم به تقویت یادگیری کمک میکنن.
خودکنترلی محدوده، پس بهتره محیطت رو جوری تنظیم کنی که حواسپرتی کم بشه.
انگیزه مهمه اما چیزی نیست که صرفا باشه یا نباشه. میتونی با جایزه دادن به خودت یا شکستن کارها به قسمتهای کوچیکتر ایجادش کنی.
در ارتباط با آزمون، سوالای سخت رو اول شروع کن.
حافظه کاری محدوده پس مطالب رو به بخشهای کوچک تقسیم کن و یادداشتشون کن. در نهایت همون روز یادداشتهات رو مرور کن.(مطالب سختتر رو تو چند روز تقسیم کن تا مغزت زمان کافی برای پردازش داشته باشه.)
These are all powerful tools that, if applied correctly, will help you become a better learner
و در نهایت یه چیز جالبی اون وسط گفت و رد شد:
دی ۱۴۰۳.
این کتاب یه مدل راهنما برای یادگیری بهتر، شاید غلبه بر اهمالکاری و یکمم مدیریت مطالعهست. نویسنده اومده همه چی رو ساده و کاربردی توضیح داده و در نهایت جمعبندیهای خوبی هم کرده. راجع به تمرکز و تکنیکهای یادگیری و انتقال به حافظه و جلوگیری از خستگی ذهن صحبت کرده بود.
اون وسط یه سری نرم افزار/سایت خوب برا هرکدوم از بخشهای معرفی کرده بود و در آخر هم یه سری کتاب و مقاله معرفی کرده بود.
یه چیز جالبیش که بحث کرده بود تکنیک پومودورو بود.
این تکنیکه چی میگه؟
میگه برای مقابله با اهمالکاری اول بیا عوامل حواسپرتیت رو حذف کن، بعد تایمر بذار و بیست و پنج دقیقه با تمرکز(حداکثر تمرکزی که میتونی بذاری) کار کن، بعد ۵ دقیقه استراحت کن و این چرخه رو انقدر تکرار کن تا کارت تموم بشه. اینطوری هم خسته نمیشی، هم ذهنت منظمتر کار میکنه.
در ارتباط با حس بدی که موقع اهمال کاری داری میگه که شروع کن این حسه از بین میره.
A pain in the brain can trigger procrastination. Be aware of minor feelings of discomfort when you think about something you don’t like to do—these feelings can trigger procrastination. That pain in the brain dissipates once you get started.
اینجا میگه بطور کلی بهتره مولتیتسک نکنی اما گاهی باعث میشه از بنبست مغزی و فکری خارج بشی.
multitasking is not all bad—it can sometimes help you avoid becoming fixed on a cognitive approach that’s going nowhere.
جلوتر که میای توضیح داده وقتی گیر میکنی و تو لوپ باطل میوفتی، نباید خودت رو اذیت کنی، بلکه باید به مغزت فرصت بدی که خودش توی حالت دیفیوز مشکل رو حل کنه.
اصلا راجع به حالت فوکس و دیفیوز مغز میگه که برای مسائل آشناتر حالت فوکس و برای چالشهای جدیدتر دیفیوز مفیده.
از راهکار های دیگهای که میگه اینه که اول مسئله سختهارو شروع کن اما اگه هرجا گیر کردی، سراغ مسائل سادهتر برو و بعد برگرد.
از کل نکاتی که میگه یه سری تیتروار بیارم:
Using the Pomodoro Technique and setting up a distraction-free environment to beat procrastination.
Taking breaks and using the Hard Start Technique on tests to overcome being stuck.
Studying actively: testing yourself, elaborating, interleaving, and spacing out your sessions in order to form strong sets of neural connections in both your declarative and procedural systems.
Using acronyms, sentences, vivid images, the Memory Palace, and internalization to memorize and internalize.
Planning when, where, and how to respond to obstacles in order to exert more self-discipline.
Finding value, ensuring mastery, and setting goals to motivate yourself.
Previewing, practicing active recall, and annotating in order to read effectively.
Analyzing and practicing with previous tests and monitoring your time to earn a good grade on exams.
هنگام نوشتن پیشنویس، ویرایش نکن. بعدا برگرد ویرایشت رو انجام بده.
یه تاکید روی تمرین فعال داره. یعنی صرفا نخونی و حفظ نکنی. باید خودت رو تست کنی، توضیح بدی و مطالب رو به چیزایی که قبلا یاد گرفتی وصل کنی.
ورزش، خواب و تغذیه سالم به تقویت یادگیری کمک میکنن.
خودکنترلی محدوده، پس بهتره محیطت رو جوری تنظیم کنی که حواسپرتی کم بشه.
انگیزه مهمه اما چیزی نیست که صرفا باشه یا نباشه. میتونی با جایزه دادن به خودت یا شکستن کارها به قسمتهای کوچیکتر ایجادش کنی.
در ارتباط با آزمون، سوالای سخت رو اول شروع کن.
حافظه کاری محدوده پس مطالب رو به بخشهای کوچک تقسیم کن و یادداشتشون کن. در نهایت همون روز یادداشتهات رو مرور کن.(مطالب سختتر رو تو چند روز تقسیم کن تا مغزت زمان کافی برای پردازش داشته باشه.)
These are all powerful tools that, if applied correctly, will help you become a better learner
و در نهایت یه چیز جالبی اون وسط گفت و رد شد:
Why do so many people think they’re so good at something when they obviously are not?
دی ۱۴۰۳.
June 5, 2021
The good thing about this book is that all the learning, memorization and comprehension technique has been laid down in very crisp & understandable way.
All the technique has been beautifully explained by easy to understand examples and beautiful drawings.
There is summary after each chapter and at the end there is summary of entire book.
The not so good thing is that there is hardly any technique which is not known. Many memory based or art of learning books has previously covered all these concepts.
There is no doubt the way chapters of book is structured and presented is just top notch. I also don't think there is any other memorization or learning technique besides the one mentioned in this book.
To see Concept chart- visit dddebjeet.wordpress.com/2021/06/04/bo...
Along this theme 3 other books i would recommend
1 Remember The science of memory and art of forgetting
2How we learn by stanislas Dehaene
3Leading brain by Friedrike Fabritius
All the technique has been beautifully explained by easy to understand examples and beautiful drawings.
There is summary after each chapter and at the end there is summary of entire book.
The not so good thing is that there is hardly any technique which is not known. Many memory based or art of learning books has previously covered all these concepts.
There is no doubt the way chapters of book is structured and presented is just top notch. I also don't think there is any other memorization or learning technique besides the one mentioned in this book.
To see Concept chart- visit dddebjeet.wordpress.com/2021/06/04/bo...
Along this theme 3 other books i would recommend
1 Remember The science of memory and art of forgetting
2How we learn by stanislas Dehaene
3Leading brain by Friedrike Fabritius
February 16, 2024
This is the second book I have read on how to improve your learning techniques and processes. The first, A Mind for Numbers, was written by Barbara Oakley whereas the second, Learn Like a Pro was written by Oakley and a collaborator, Olaf Schewe. Both books were written primarily for high school and college students, although the methods and techniques can easily be applied by other types of learners; there just might be certain subjects, like preparing for tests, that don’t apply in some cases. I thought A Mind for Numbers was more enjoyable and easier to read. It included more personal and background stories as examples; this book, Learn Like a Pro, read more like a textbook. It also included more techniques, which are not always better, and did not cover some techniques as thoroughly.
A Mind for Numbers was published in 2014 whereas Learn Like a Pro was published in 2021, so Learn Like a Pro should be the more complete and up to date. I did notice some differences between the two. In cases where the two books disagreed, the difference was not explained, which was of course frustrating. There were cases where one book would include a concept or focus heavily on a concept that the other book touched on only lightly. For instance, A Mind for Numbers spent a lot of time on chunking and the differences between focused and diffuse modes of learning; Learn Like a Pro skimmed over these topics. Learn Like a Pro emphasized declarative versus procedural learning, concepts not really covered in A Mind for Numbers.
I liked the first book, A Mind for Numbers, better. In this case I didn’t think the collaboration process was beneficial.
A Mind for Numbers was published in 2014 whereas Learn Like a Pro was published in 2021, so Learn Like a Pro should be the more complete and up to date. I did notice some differences between the two. In cases where the two books disagreed, the difference was not explained, which was of course frustrating. There were cases where one book would include a concept or focus heavily on a concept that the other book touched on only lightly. For instance, A Mind for Numbers spent a lot of time on chunking and the differences between focused and diffuse modes of learning; Learn Like a Pro skimmed over these topics. Learn Like a Pro emphasized declarative versus procedural learning, concepts not really covered in A Mind for Numbers.
I liked the first book, A Mind for Numbers, better. In this case I didn’t think the collaboration process was beneficial.
April 25, 2025
Якби концепти з цієї книжки пояснювали в середній школі, моє життя було би сильно простішим. Про те, що відбувається з мозком, коли ми вчимося, чому не всі «люблять» вчитися і що робити, щоби мозок не закипав.
Але якщо вже це знання не сталося зі мною в середній школі, добре, що зʼявилося зараз. Корисно і тим, хто вчаться вперше пекти паски, і тим, хто вчать іспанську, і тим, хто хоче нарешті стати на борд взимку. Тому що пояснює що про те, що відбувається в мозку під час усіх цих процесів.
Але якщо вже це знання не сталося зі мною в середній школі, добре, що зʼявилося зараз. Корисно і тим, хто вчаться вперше пекти паски, і тим, хто вчать іспанську, і тим, хто хоче нарешті стати на борд взимку. Тому що пояснює що про те, що відбувається в мозку під час усіх цих процесів.
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April 3, 2021This book is aimed primarily at college/university students, but it still has a lot of value for others. -- and most adults need better learning strategies anyway!
The best thing about the book is how much of it is actionable. The authors break down several learning concepts and theories into easily understandable language -- and then share specific ways learners can implement strategies to be more efficient and successful.
Highly recommended!
The best thing about the book is how much of it is actionable. The authors break down several learning concepts and theories into easily understandable language -- and then share specific ways learners can implement strategies to be more efficient and successful.
Highly recommended!
July 24, 2021
Опять простая и дельная книга про обучение и продуктивность. В целом повтор прошлых идей, но с новыми дополнениями. Рекомендую
February 25, 2024
Foarte bine structurată și clară. Printre altele, atinge subiecte precum memoria de lucru și memoria de lungă durată, ce înseamnă învăţare superficială/de profunzime, cum funcţionează conexiunile neuronale și ce practici de învăţare sunt eficiente. Barbara Oakley are și niște cursuri excelente despre cum învaţă creierul pe Coursera. Am ascultat-o pe Audible, unde cartea vine însoţită de un PDF cu imagini foarte simpatice. E o carte care ar trebui tradusă și citită de cât mai mulţi copii/adolescenţi. De profi nu mai zic.
November 13, 2023
الگوی چهار مرحلهای یادگیری خود تنظیم
مرحله ۱: آگاهی از کاری که باید بکنید
مرحله ۲: هدفگذاری و برنامهریزی
مرحله ۳: یادگیری
مرحله ۴: نظارت و اصلاح
مرحله ۱: آگاهی از کاری که باید بکنید
مرحله ۲: هدفگذاری و برنامهریزی
مرحله ۳: یادگیری
مرحله ۴: نظارت و اصلاح
May 30, 2021
I picked up this book because I consider myself a life-long learner and I also train and develop employees in my job. The book is structured in a very approachable way with tips and summaries to help the information "stick" -- the writers are practicing what they preach about how we learn and recall. I was in college over 30 years ago but wished I had a book like this to help me more effectively study and learn! Some of the tips that are applicable to everyone include chapters on how to focus intently and beat procrastination using a method called Pomodoro (time-based focus). I had heard about this technique but what was new was when you take a break do not look at your phone. because it does not allow your brain to recharge as effectively. Other key chapters for me include how to read effectively (for retention) and how to maximize working memory and taking better notes. At the end, is a checklist covering all the concepts on "How to Be an Effective Learner" - it is important to read the book to fully understand the checklist concepts (which the authors also say) and I will use this as a reference for myself going forward.
Whether you are a student or a lifelong learner, I highly recommend this book.
Whether you are a student or a lifelong learner, I highly recommend this book.
August 11, 2021
(3.5 rounded up because I'm not the target audience)
One of the first things I read was authors’ direction to “find a place to study where distractions are eliminated or minimized.”
After I laughed for a good five minutes I realized this book might not be geared toward a mother of 4 kids under 5 who all want every minute of my attention for hugs, nonsensical conversations, diaper changes, food, and require regular wiping of every surface in existence. I don’t know the last time I had 3 full minutes of complete quiet before 8 pm.
As I reflect on this short book about learning, I would probably say the subtitle is a bit of an oversell. There was some science-based comments and their uber long bibliography shows they were sourced, but I wouldn’t say I gained a lot of knowledge about how the brain and body work.
As to ‘becoming better at anything’… I don’t know. I’m not sure these methods are your ticket to fame and fortune on all fronts. Better at studying and memorizing, yes; better at cooking, investing, being patient, and Barry Gibbs impressions, not so much. This subtitle needs an asterisk.
I would say the sweet spot for this book is college students or adults who are studying for tests or regularly need to learn new and complicated information.
I did pretty good in college but I would say I did the bare minimum when it came to studying. As I am ten years removed from it, I regret some of the use of my time. I could have learned and retained so much more if I had read this book during that time.
I for sure would have gotten better art history grades…
My husband and I have always said that school (at any level) is really just learning how to learn. You might not need all the information you learn about for the rest of your life, but by learning how to learn the information, it sets you up for being a life-long learner who can remember the information that does matter later and making connections which will allow you to understand people and the world better.
So a book where you learn how to learn is valuable.
Are there earth-shattering learning methods in this book?— no. After all, finding a quiet place to study, reducing distractions (ahem… your phone), making flashcards, taking breaks, working towards achievable goals, rewarding yourself, studying in groups, reading the instructions, etc, are not new ideas.
But maybe this book is less about the material and more about inspiring its readers to desire to learn and to realize it is doable and not that hard. This is the kick in the pants to just get up and do it.
Thinking back to my college self I think I would have been more likely to actually implement useful studying and memorization techniques had I read a book like this.
They cover things like distractions, procrastination, self-discipline, test-taking, memorization, taking notes, fast thinking and recall, working memory, and diffuse mode.
Let’s talk about diffuse mode for a minute. This is the thinking your brain does while you’re not focused on anything. Most people probably use this to work through difficult problems or make connections while they’re taking breaks from studying. But there are other benefits.
Here’s my personal diffuse mode testimony: My brain was ‘diffusing’ while I took a shower and my brain tried to extract the memory of the last time I bathed my twin 11-month-olds and in failing to do so, helped me diffuse the realization that it had been almost three weeks since their last bath. (Possibly more, this was a complete guess) One might argue my diffusing was lagging if it took that many shower diffuses of my own to reach this enlightenment. And one would be correct. Neuroscience at work in the mom life.
Here are a few things I learned that I can apply to things in my current life:
- If I need a mental break, using my phone will not provide the results I’m looking for. Choose something like a walk, a shower, a snack, or just sitting doing absolutely nothing.
- If I want to remember information I recently obtained or read, the more times I try to retrieve this information the stronger the neural connections become— so regularly summarize the information and discuss it with others, or stop every so often to write down the main points and then revisit those points the next day.
- If I come across a new word while reading, look up the definition and as I read, swap out the new word with a synonym as I’m reading and I will learn this word better. (I was already doing this!)
- Doing certain gestures or actions for certain words or phrases can help you memorize material better— for example, in my life I am teaching my kids the fruits of the Spirit and giving an action to each word has significantly helped them memorize and recall these harder words
- If you want to get something done (studying— or for me, finally finishing that Shutterfly book I never get around to, or folding the laundry sitting in the hallway for over a week) make a plan and set things up the night before. It will make getting started easier if you know exactly when and where you plan to complete your task. Make the right choices easier.
Another helpful aspect of this book is their listings of apps that will help for various tasks— making notes or lists, getting out of bed in the morning, providing background noise, keeping your phone from being a distraction, etc. I think many will find these apps beneficial and may not have come across them otherwise.
I was reading an advanced reader’s copy so it was an unfinished e-version. There was some formatting confusion and indications that the book would have diagrams to illustrate certain points. My version did not have these diagrams. It seems like it would have been helpful to have visual aids. Hopefully the finished book has some slammin’ drawings for you guys.
I almost think this book could have been longer. I liked the shortness of it, especially since I wasn’t exactly the target audience. But I felt like they should have fleshed out some of the techniques more and provided more examples— maybe in appendices? They also could have included more neuroscience. As someone who isn’t regularly studying, the techniques were less valuable to me right now then just the fun of learning more information of how the brain functions and reacts in certain situations.
So basically, if you are in school, class, or studying mode of any kind— definitely give this book a shot. I think it could boost your scores, retention, and ability to learn. It’s short and applicable.
If you are like me and just like learning, I don’t know if you would enjoy this book as much. There are probably better versions that are more informative or interesting.
**Received an ARC via NetGalley**
Book Review blog: www.shelfreflection.com
Pinterest: @shelfreflectionblog
One of the first things I read was authors’ direction to “find a place to study where distractions are eliminated or minimized.”
After I laughed for a good five minutes I realized this book might not be geared toward a mother of 4 kids under 5 who all want every minute of my attention for hugs, nonsensical conversations, diaper changes, food, and require regular wiping of every surface in existence. I don’t know the last time I had 3 full minutes of complete quiet before 8 pm.
As I reflect on this short book about learning, I would probably say the subtitle is a bit of an oversell. There was some science-based comments and their uber long bibliography shows they were sourced, but I wouldn’t say I gained a lot of knowledge about how the brain and body work.
As to ‘becoming better at anything’… I don’t know. I’m not sure these methods are your ticket to fame and fortune on all fronts. Better at studying and memorizing, yes; better at cooking, investing, being patient, and Barry Gibbs impressions, not so much. This subtitle needs an asterisk.
I would say the sweet spot for this book is college students or adults who are studying for tests or regularly need to learn new and complicated information.
I did pretty good in college but I would say I did the bare minimum when it came to studying. As I am ten years removed from it, I regret some of the use of my time. I could have learned and retained so much more if I had read this book during that time.
I for sure would have gotten better art history grades…
My husband and I have always said that school (at any level) is really just learning how to learn. You might not need all the information you learn about for the rest of your life, but by learning how to learn the information, it sets you up for being a life-long learner who can remember the information that does matter later and making connections which will allow you to understand people and the world better.
So a book where you learn how to learn is valuable.
Are there earth-shattering learning methods in this book?— no. After all, finding a quiet place to study, reducing distractions (ahem… your phone), making flashcards, taking breaks, working towards achievable goals, rewarding yourself, studying in groups, reading the instructions, etc, are not new ideas.
But maybe this book is less about the material and more about inspiring its readers to desire to learn and to realize it is doable and not that hard. This is the kick in the pants to just get up and do it.
Thinking back to my college self I think I would have been more likely to actually implement useful studying and memorization techniques had I read a book like this.
They cover things like distractions, procrastination, self-discipline, test-taking, memorization, taking notes, fast thinking and recall, working memory, and diffuse mode.
Let’s talk about diffuse mode for a minute. This is the thinking your brain does while you’re not focused on anything. Most people probably use this to work through difficult problems or make connections while they’re taking breaks from studying. But there are other benefits.
Here’s my personal diffuse mode testimony: My brain was ‘diffusing’ while I took a shower and my brain tried to extract the memory of the last time I bathed my twin 11-month-olds and in failing to do so, helped me diffuse the realization that it had been almost three weeks since their last bath. (Possibly more, this was a complete guess) One might argue my diffusing was lagging if it took that many shower diffuses of my own to reach this enlightenment. And one would be correct. Neuroscience at work in the mom life.
Here are a few things I learned that I can apply to things in my current life:
- If I need a mental break, using my phone will not provide the results I’m looking for. Choose something like a walk, a shower, a snack, or just sitting doing absolutely nothing.
- If I want to remember information I recently obtained or read, the more times I try to retrieve this information the stronger the neural connections become— so regularly summarize the information and discuss it with others, or stop every so often to write down the main points and then revisit those points the next day.
- If I come across a new word while reading, look up the definition and as I read, swap out the new word with a synonym as I’m reading and I will learn this word better. (I was already doing this!)
- Doing certain gestures or actions for certain words or phrases can help you memorize material better— for example, in my life I am teaching my kids the fruits of the Spirit and giving an action to each word has significantly helped them memorize and recall these harder words
- If you want to get something done (studying— or for me, finally finishing that Shutterfly book I never get around to, or folding the laundry sitting in the hallway for over a week) make a plan and set things up the night before. It will make getting started easier if you know exactly when and where you plan to complete your task. Make the right choices easier.
Another helpful aspect of this book is their listings of apps that will help for various tasks— making notes or lists, getting out of bed in the morning, providing background noise, keeping your phone from being a distraction, etc. I think many will find these apps beneficial and may not have come across them otherwise.
I was reading an advanced reader’s copy so it was an unfinished e-version. There was some formatting confusion and indications that the book would have diagrams to illustrate certain points. My version did not have these diagrams. It seems like it would have been helpful to have visual aids. Hopefully the finished book has some slammin’ drawings for you guys.
I almost think this book could have been longer. I liked the shortness of it, especially since I wasn’t exactly the target audience. But I felt like they should have fleshed out some of the techniques more and provided more examples— maybe in appendices? They also could have included more neuroscience. As someone who isn’t regularly studying, the techniques were less valuable to me right now then just the fun of learning more information of how the brain functions and reacts in certain situations.
So basically, if you are in school, class, or studying mode of any kind— definitely give this book a shot. I think it could boost your scores, retention, and ability to learn. It’s short and applicable.
If you are like me and just like learning, I don’t know if you would enjoy this book as much. There are probably better versions that are more informative or interesting.
**Received an ARC via NetGalley**
Book Review blog: www.shelfreflection.com
Pinterest: @shelfreflectionblog
August 13, 2022
The Limitless Pill in Book Form
This was an outstanding book.
It goes through many, many different topics from things like sleep, music, notes, flashcards, reading, etc. all with the focus on improving the way you learn.
I felt that reading this was the book form of the pill from the movie Limitless!
Yes, some of the tips are pretty self-explanatory or simple, but very great all the same.
I would highly recommend this.
Excellent tips!
I have already started seeing improvements in my day-to-day.
4.8/5
This was an outstanding book.
It goes through many, many different topics from things like sleep, music, notes, flashcards, reading, etc. all with the focus on improving the way you learn.
I felt that reading this was the book form of the pill from the movie Limitless!
Yes, some of the tips are pretty self-explanatory or simple, but very great all the same.
I would highly recommend this.
Excellent tips!
I have already started seeing improvements in my day-to-day.
4.8/5
February 28, 2022
é um pouco repetitivo e cheio de informações que eu já li em outros livros do gênero (isso é minha culpa, eu sei), mas esse é o livro que eu indico para qualquer um que quisesse se iniciar no mundo dos métodos de aprendizado baseados em evidências científicas. a leitura é bem fácil, com exemplos extremamente didáticos e sem rodear demais em volta de dicas simples. esse livro acredita que você vai conseguir aprender melhor, não é só o título.
June 25, 2025
A short book about how to improve your study tactics to become a lifelong learners. It mentions a lot of great tools such as speed reading, binaural beats, and interleaving, although does not going into detail kinda just glosses over. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a book to improve studying, this is the book.
April 22, 2025
Phenomenal book! What I truly love about it is that it goes straight to the point, it explains the key concepts in a very simple way and then provides examples. All the content in the book is research-backed, so you can rest assured of the validity of the tips. I love the Key Takeaways sections at the end of each chapter, they provide a detailed and concise summary of the topics and tips discussed. I’ll be incorporating these in my learning.
February 11, 2023
Siit nii mõndagi kõrva taha panna…loodan, et siis kasutan ka neid mõtteid :)
June 1, 2021
Collection of best practices around time management, reading, and studying. Nothing is new - but it’s a good resource of strategies for students that are trying to improve their academics.
March 6, 2022
I didn't expect much from this book, but ended up enjoying it very much and still learning something despite feeling quite advanced and well-read on the topic. A lot of stuff that is mentioned in other books is explained here in novel and interesting ways (and more wholistic).
A nice and educational and also super quick update on the current knowledge on learning techniques.
A nice and educational and also super quick update on the current knowledge on learning techniques.
October 24, 2024
The chapters are nicely sized for a morning coffee break, taking about 10-15 minutes to read. I think the most relevant audience is students of all kinds, but it also offers good reminders for everyone else about concepts you may have heard about before. I loved the structure, with takeaways at the end of each chapter and a helpful checklist at the end.
August 22, 2021
This is a short productivity book catered towards students. The differentiating declarative and procedural learning was interesting. Babies pick up the native language way before they develop declarative ability (conscious effort). I always got surprised native English speakers cant speak slowly word by word, because their language capacity is procedural and all vocabularies are jumbled up. For ESL people, she suggests jumping in conversation with the native speakers instead of learning vocabulary. Duh. That is the novice crappiest suggestion I've heard from a professor. Of course, everyone knows it's better to talk with the native. While the idea of procedural learning overall is great, it's impossible to apply to our life from a few examples she's given.
Since the book targets young audience who may be in the middle of physical growth and in high nutriential need, I don't think it was wise of her to promote intermittent fasting so casually without concerning physical side-effects. That section slipped in the book simply because of the recent buzz.
Overall, the book isn't that original or give you deep insight. You can learn all the material from watching YouTube and TedTalk under the productivity section.
Since the book targets young audience who may be in the middle of physical growth and in high nutriential need, I don't think it was wise of her to promote intermittent fasting so casually without concerning physical side-effects. That section slipped in the book simply because of the recent buzz.
Overall, the book isn't that original or give you deep insight. You can learn all the material from watching YouTube and TedTalk under the productivity section.
January 19, 2023
This is an excellent summary of the topic, and is highly recommended.
It builds a bit on Learning how to Learn, another highly recommended book by the author (it should be read first, and there is overlap).
I discovered the author after listening to her on the Knowledge Podcast, and then taking the outstanding "Learning how to to Learn" online (and free!) class (on Coursera). (If you are interested - and pretty much at any level - TAKE THE ONLINE CLASS. In fact, you can take the online class, and skip the books if you want. But the book does build on the topic and is a well researched, well written supplement)
Should be required reading for all students. Or for those who enjoy learning.
It builds a bit on Learning how to Learn, another highly recommended book by the author (it should be read first, and there is overlap).
I discovered the author after listening to her on the Knowledge Podcast, and then taking the outstanding "Learning how to to Learn" online (and free!) class (on Coursera). (If you are interested - and pretty much at any level - TAKE THE ONLINE CLASS. In fact, you can take the online class, and skip the books if you want. But the book does build on the topic and is a well researched, well written supplement)
Should be required reading for all students. Or for those who enjoy learning.
September 6, 2024
This book is chock full of information on various learning techniques. From Pomodoro, to defuse thinking mode, to interleaving to improved test taking. I found it amazingly inspirational. I hope I can improve my efficiency using some ideas! Some advice is harder than the other but all can be relevant and actionable for both students and professionals because it’s hard to imagine progress in any walk of life without learning something new and getting better at it!
October 16, 2021
A good companion to the widely famous Learning How to Learn with mostly the same content.
Pomodoro technique, retrieval practise, interleaving, working memory, focused/diffused modes, sleep.
If these words don't strike a chord with you, I highly recommend this book (or the course). Otherwise, not so much. It's a pretty short book anyway.
Pomodoro technique, retrieval practise, interleaving, working memory, focused/diffused modes, sleep.
If these words don't strike a chord with you, I highly recommend this book (or the course). Otherwise, not so much. It's a pretty short book anyway.
January 15, 2023
A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science, from the same author is much better.
February 9, 2022
Excellent guide for learning and don’t die in the process.
This book has helped me to see the mistakes I have made when studying and preparing for exams.
Now I have a different perspective and I’m sure I’ll apply the advices provided in advance.
This book has helped me to see the mistakes I have made when studying and preparing for exams.
Now I have a different perspective and I’m sure I’ll apply the advices provided in advance.
June 19, 2023
Five stars due to the lack of filler. A great read because it has action items in every chapter and every chapter has a summary of key points. I would recommend this if you're into self-help books and truly want to learn from them.
July 1, 2021
Thank you very much for this book it has helped me to pass my classes as I move forward with my career I will be grateful to you
August 8, 2021
Loved it! I will apply this in my learning process.
May 26, 2024
از کتاب ذهنی برای اعداد از همین نویسنده، خلاصه تر و سرراست تره. البته هر دو کتاب فوق العاده هستند و تا هشتاد درصد هم اشتراک موضوعی دارند
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