How to Use Your Mind: A Psychology of Study

by Harry Dexter Kitson

Educational leaders are seeing with increasing clearness the necessity of teaching students not only the subject-matter of study but also methods of study. Teachers are beginning to see that students waste a vast amount of time and form many harmful habits because they do not know how to use their minds. The recognition of this condition is taking the form of the movement toward "supervised study," which attempts to acquaint the student with principles of economy and directness in using his mind. It is generally agreed that there are certain "tricks" which make for mental efficiency, consisting of methods of apperceiving facts, methods of review, devices for arranging work. Some are the fruits of psychological experimentation; others are derived from experience. Many of them can be imparted by instruction, and it is for the purpose of systematizing these and making them available for students that this book is prepared.

Genres: Education, Psychology

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1916

About the author

Harry Dexter Kitson (1886-1959) was a professor of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He taught applied psychology. He was a charter member of the American Psychological Association and a pioneer in the field of vocational guidance.

Reviews

[mono · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is targeted towards college students. If you're an autodidact, you might not get much valuable information from it.

The central idea of this book is to form habits that enable you to collect knowledge, in the same way you habitually place your keys, wallet, and cell phone some place you'll easily remember without really thinking about it. If something isn't working out, adapt and overcome.

A lot of the information covered isn't by any means revolutionary, i.e. you should keep schedules, build mental stamina, make sure you understand the material you're taking notes on, develop interest by total immersion into a subject, etc. One thing I've been having problems with in my courses is that many subjects are simply dreadfully boring. You should learn to tell the difference between being genuinely tired, rather than simply wanting to move on to something more interesting.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides an understanding of the mental processes involved in study applicable more importantly to students and others who are just getting to understand the mechanics of how to study a topic

[Äsruþr Cyneaþsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and concise guide to an array of mental strategies in order to further yourself. Speed reading, mathematics, creativity, memory recall, applied logical, and sensory focus are all covered. Kitson provides a 'how-to' of situational awareness that has applications in business, self-defence, and the manipulation of social situations.

A good guide to making the most out of the tool that is your brain.

[Sukh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and I really enjoyed reading it on iBooks thank you smooch for writing this book it is so informative. Thanks!

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might help in the future (I’m now 16 years old)

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ready enjoyed this book it helped me to see thing in a different way.

[Marian Mckelvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book I think this is a good read for college classes.