The Self-Learning Blueprint: A Strategic Plan to Break Down Complex Topics, Comprehend Deeply, and Teach Yourself Anything

by Peter Hollins

An approach to instantly make sense of a topic when learning from scratch and teaching yourself.
Embarking on anything new is daunting and scary. That's why you need a blueprint to point you in the right direction and make sure that you are moving forward.
The skill of self-learning is the ability to change your circumstances and get from Point A to Point B.
The Self-Learning Blueprint is the compass that will get you to Point B. Numerous scientifically-proven techniques are covered, as well as an overarching set of plans to ensure that you synthesize and truly understand new information.

We all think we know how to learn, but the truth is, we don't know much beyond taking notes and re-reading them. This won't get you where you want to go. Learn how to learn from the ground up, all by yourself, on any subject matter. This goes beyond simple improved study skills - you will understand the nature of information itself.
Become an higher grades, better job prospects, more goals achieved, and the key to unlocking all doors in life.
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.
Exact step-by-step methods to structure your learning and avoid information overload.
-The four pillars of self-learning for expertise and comprehension.
- Learning myths and the only thing you DO need for learning.
-How the 50-50 Rule ensures memorization.
Make sure you're not wasting your time with sub-optimal techniques.
-How to combine old and new information to learn.
- 10 question types to unlock deeper understanding.
-The role of buoyancy, failure, and confidence in learning.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Education, Audiobook, Productivity, Business

212 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2019

About the author

Peter 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.

Reviews

[Andrii · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is going to "I want my money and time back" bookshelf. Time's special edition "The science of learning" summarizes this book in few articles plus covers so many recent researches about other aspects of learning and education. Peter's examples are primitive (particularly when he tries to apply R.W. Paul's six types of Socratic questions to the "sky is blue" assertion) and ideas are old-fashioned. Minus one star for begging for a good Amazon review at the end of the book...twice.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to learn, which is why I read hundreds of non-fiction book each year. Recently, I was thinking, “Hey. I bet there are books about being an autodidact and self-learning”, so I decided to pick this book up. This was a super short book (only about 3 hours in audio format), but it was packed with some tips and tools for self-learning. Peter Hollins breaks down a bunch of different learning styles and techniques you can do to dive deep into a subject and retain what you’ve learned. What I was pleasantly surprised about was that he even discusses some self-discipline when it comes to procrastination. I definitely think there are better books on the subject out there, but this is a good one if you’re looking for a short read with some basic tips and strategies.

[Toofan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing !
The whole arguably useful material can be fully illustrated in just a few pages.
The author based his book on the assumption that "different learning methods for different people" is a myth and suggests two type of note taking that might or might not prove effective, though not always useful, for certain subjects and debates about efficiency of spaced repetition and necessity of uninterrupted focus and rest and introduced some old fashion ideas about motivation and often diverts from the main subject namely"Self-learning".

[Sarah Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Someone who doesn't want to go back to college, this book gave plenty of useful tips on how to learn on my own. I think this will be a great read of anyone who wants to teach themselves. I also think it would be just as useful to students.

[Giovanni Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Self Learning Blueprint: At strategic Plan to Break Down Anything was such a valuable book for me as returning student to online education. Ten years have passed since I formally sought to educate myself. I took the time to write this review to help other potential readers in a similar situation.

The book is very well written, clear, and concise - it makes you follow through with all steps in your mind with ease. The first thing I noticed while reading this book is that there is no fluff (i.e., people writing about stuff that has nothing to do with the book's topic - it happens more often than not).

Here are some parts of the book which I found particularly useful:

- Learn how to ask the right questions to follow through learning process efficiently;

- Figure out what you don't need (or don't need yet) to achieve your goals;

- Learn how to use The Four Learning Modes to learn more efficiently;

- Cut out unnecessary information when learning.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but packed with insights.

[Avi Poje · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed the second half of this book. I just started finding it boring. There was a lot of good learning strategies, don’t get me wrong. It’s just… the writing was boring. The examples seemed generic and fabricated. The research citations were mostly vague or nonexistent. The part where he invented his own note taking method and called it the “Peter method“ was annoying.

I found myself wondering what I could learn from this book that I could avoid if I were to write one of my own. Perhaps have more engaging, real-world examples. Perhaps focus on a specific topic without jumping around so much. Perhaps have more original ideas. Whatever it was, Hollins didn’t do it for me.

[Bubu Van]

It introduced a new taking notes method to me and has a more emphasised argument on the importance of active learning. I have realised that I have always chosen the easiest learning method: passively reading books and watching videos. So, from now on I will try to take notes and actively retrieve the information in my brain rather than just reading the material.

[Gerco Schipper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can imagine this book to be helpful for someone who hasn't tried to learn or study something for a few years. But as a student myself, this book, although short, is an ellaborate way to explain a few basic concepts about learning

[Ben Rochon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read but insightful. A good overview of some aspects of learning and self management.

[Prashant gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple method explain beautifully to become a learner

[Thuy Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to learn about learning. My second read book of 2022. Recommend.

[Annavi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although no new concepts were raised in this book, it gave a overview of some popular study methods. Recommend for flipping through while at the bookstore or library.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Self-Learn Complex Topics

As one who considers herself to be a lifelong learner, I was immediately drawn to this book when I saw it at my favorite book review site. Indeed, as I started reading, I found myself nodding along in agreement. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on busting the myths around learning. I had heard of these myself but had never seen them refuted, which made for a fascinating read. I liked the macro structure he suggests for creating a learning plan for yourself, as it helps you figure out what you want to learn and how to best do that. Where I disagreed with the author was with his micro plan of attack. While I don't disagree that it would help you learn any complex subject in-depth, I don't agree that it is required for all topics that one might want to learn about. It would certainly work for academic subjects as well as personal interest that are more technical or require learning lots of information. But for more general or lighter topics, I think it might be overkill. Still, I think this is an excellent book if you are contemplating learning about a new topic that interests you personally, academically, or professionally. Even if you don't follow the precise blueprint lined out, the book does offer much food for thought if you are someone who is a lifelong learner or wants to learn a new topic.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the easiest of reads.
Peter does not mince any words - this is not a "learn anything in 15 minutes" type of book.
Rather, this is a blueprint to effective, practical self-directed learning. It is not an easy fix, but it is thorough, practical, and completely doable.
I am a teacher myself, and I found a number of techniques I will be adding to my tool bag next semester. I am also a self directed student, and I am beginning to use these techniques myself.
His "five C's" of academic buoyancy were really good, and his description of how to use the Pomodoro Technique in elevating stages was very helpful. But his discussion and stress on how to use failure positively really helped - both for myself and as an additional insight to share with my students. And I appreciated his application of Bloom's Taxonomy.
Although Mr. Hollins is dealing in depth with many of the most current and effective modes of teaching and learning, I really enjoy his writing style. He manages to share the most academic methods and subjects in plain language, and even spiced with a bit of humor.
An excellent book, and one I will be using immediately for my own development as well as applying to my classroom.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it says: a strategy for self-learning!

This book does exactly what it says: it provides highly structured strategies for teaching yourself virtually anything. While I may not agree with 100% of his claims and conclusions, they are all worth your time and consideration -- who knows? You may find some suggestions here you never before considered, and that can only be a good thing. The book's length is just right, without providing reason for procrastination. His examination of issues is sufficiently detailed without feeling overly academic. Overall, this book was a good purchase! Thank you!

[Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like books that are easy to understand and help me learn. This is a great example of that. I didn't like some of the black and white decisions the author takes on some of the topics though. For example, the author rejects Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000-hour hypothesis for becoming a master in a particular discipline. A few lessons may help someone learn a topic but will not make someone a master.

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written guide to how to study and learn more effectively. I like the focus on micro and macro study plans as well as tips on productivity and note-taking. The author provides summaries at the end of each chapter and at the end of the book to make it easier to go back as a resource. My only complaint is that I wish the book was longer.

[Lukasz · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing revolutionary presented in this book, but I consider it as an advantage. Author gathers proven learning strategies and presents then in an easy-to-digest form, which exactly what I wished to read in the book that has "blueprint" word in the title.

There also is a handy summary at the end, so you don't have to go through the whole text and hunt for bits and pieces.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty basic, but will be really helpful if you struggle with study or learning habits. There are some great strategies for being more efficient and successful when learning.