Thread by @rroudt

Book notes from "Make It Stick"

Chapter 1: Learning Is Misunderstood

In this chapter:
• Claims made in the book
• Empirical evidence versus Theory, Lore and Intuition
• Knowledge: Not sufficient, but necessary
• Testing: Dipstick versus Learning tool

Claims in Make It Stick (1/2)

• Learning is deeper when effortful.

• Our intuition is a poor advisor when it comes to learning.

• Rereading and massed practice are the most popular but least productive learning tools.

• Retrieval practice is a better review strategy.

Claims in Make It Stick (2/2)

• Space out practice and interleave subjects; effort makes learning long-lasting.

• Trying to solve a problem before knowing the solution strengthens learning.

• Preferred learning styles are a myth.

• Testing is a powerful learning tool.

Evidence vs. Intuition in learning.

• When learning is difficult, it lasts longer.

• What you learn by cramming fades quickly.

• Rereading doesn't work and creates an illusion of mastery.

• Quizzing dispels illusions of mastery.

Knowledge is necessary, but not sufficient.

Mastery comes from having knowledge and knowing how to use it.

Use testing as a learning tool, not as a dipstick.

• Most people see tests as a measurement tool, which it shouldn't be.

• Effortful retrieval helps solidify knowledge.

• Tests help you discover what you do and don't know.

Hat tip to @fortelabs and @david_perell for giving me the idea of creating intermediate packets.

I've started collecting the notes on my personal site as well:
ramses.blog/booknotes/make…