Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Description

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown is a groundbreaking and eye-opening exploration of how people truly learn and retain information. Published by Harvard University Press in 2023, this essential read draws on decades of cognitive research to debunk common myths about learning and offers proven, practical strategies that anyone can apply — from students and educators to professionals and lifelong learners.

Most of us were never taught how to learn effectively. We rely on re-reading notes, highlighting textbooks, and cramming before exams — techniques that feel productive but are among the least effective ways to retain knowledge. Make It Stick challenges these deeply ingrained habits and replaces them with strategies rooted in scientific evidence.

Brown, alongside co-authors Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel, presents compelling research that shows how techniques such as retrieval practice, spaced repetition, interleaving, and elaboration dramatically improve long-term retention and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations. The book is richly illustrated with vivid stories and real-life examples that make complex cognitive science both accessible and deeply engaging.

Readers will discover why struggle and difficulty in learning are not signs of failure but are in fact essential to building durable understanding. They will learn how to study smarter, teach more effectively, and develop a deeper mastery of any subject they pursue.

Whether you are a student preparing for exams, a teacher designing lessons, or a professional looking to sharpen your skills, Make It Stick offers a powerful framework for transforming the way you approach learning — for good.

• Author: Peter C. Brown
• Publisher: Harvard University Press (2023)
• Pages: 336
• Language: English
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-13: 9780674296039