The New Science of Learning [OP]: How to Learn in Harmony With Your Brain

by Terry Doyle, Todd D. Zakrajsek, Kathleen F. Gabriel (Foreword)

"In every-day terms, they have broken down the ‘scientific’ workings of the brain and give practical advice that students can use to help them increase their learning and recall, especially when they are challenged with difficult tasks. Doyle and Zakrajsek give readers ways to transform their learning capacity by using research-based strategies so that the time and effort spent is worthwhile and rewarding. This book is perfect for students to learn about methods and activities to use when learning so that their time and efforts are maximized."--Kathleen F. Gabriel, Associate Professor, School of Education, California State University, Chico

"Mathematics instructors at Riverside City College spent several years incorporating the first edition of this book into the curriculum with positive documented outcomes.This book empowers students to take control of their own learning. The second edition is even more engaging than the first and includes good discussion questions at the end of each chapter. I look forward to using the new edition in my classes!"--Kathy Nabours, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Riverside City College

This breakthrough book builds the foundation every student needs, from freshman orientation to graduate school. The second edition of this bestselling student text has been considerably updated with the latest findings from cognitive science that further illuminate learning for students, and help them understand what’s involved in retaining new information.

Genres: Read For School, School, Nonfiction

188 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2018

Reviews

[Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does an excellent job of giving scientific-based evidence for effective methods of learning. It’s not simply self-help, it doesn’t provide specific study tips, nor does it have a “one-size-fits-all” message. It does read more as a collection of essays on each specific subject that they sort of meld together and seems to be an excellent reference guide to read slowly and return back to after working on things for awhile. At least, that’s how I’m going to go about it as I journey into the world of learning once again (it’s never-ending and should of course happen outside the classroom as well, but this is focused on deliberate, repeated points of learning).

The synopsis is honestly sort of “common sense” in many ways, but it’s important to get detailed information on these different claims and to have some guidance on utilizing them - especially with so many books out there and general self-help advice available since this book was written. Sleep is ESSENTIAL, spacing out FOCUSED studying is best, exercise is more than helpful, actively recalling info is good, procrastination is the enemy of all people foreign and domestic, and balance is key because all work and no play would make Mason a dull man.

For students, or self-studiers, pairing this with How to Become A Straight-A Student by Cal Newport was really great for understanding the science behind the strategies that you’re implementing.

[Chrissy Shea Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational psychology. A simple neuropsychology book about learning, memory, and best practices for studying. This book is aimed at high school and college age students but could also be a useful reference for teachers and professors.
One criticism is that not all of the authors’ suggestions are feasible. For example, most high school students will not have the option to not take back-to-back classes. (This is really my only criticism of their suggestions. It may be a best practice, but not possible to control for high school.)

[Brit Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for high-school and college students. I just read it and “marked it up” for my daughter who is currently a sophomore in college. I’m looking forward to discussing it with her after she reads through the text, my notes, and adds her own.

[Xochitl Mora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it's written for college students, but it is for anyone learning anything. I'm 45 and enrolled in an online full stack web development (aka coding) course. I got so much valuable information to incorporate into my day to day habits to optimize learning.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is targeted for college aged students. The advice that is given is helpful, if applied. The advice given is practical, yet can yield great results.

[ava mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good, i had to read for psych class, but felt really repetitive in parts

[julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

soooo like class hasn’t started but this was honestly great. it gave me motivation to start class for freshman year and i think lots of students should read this.

[Sarah L. Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Easy to grasp ideas and apply them.

[Zachariah Collett · Rating 3 out of 5]

this should be standard reading in middle schools across the country. No one ever teaches you how to learn and by the time you get to college it's so overwhelming most want to quit.

[Caroline Dasch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Advice, Highly recommend reading as highschoolers and definitely before college.