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Super Learning: Advanced Strategies for Quicker Comprehension, Greater Retention, and Systematic Expertise
Make painless, exciting, habitual, and self-motivating. Absorb info like a human sponge. We’ve never been taught how to learn, and that’s a shame. This book is the key to reversing all the misconceptions you have and making learning fun again. Scientifically-proven, step-by-step methods for effective learning. Smart Learning is not a textbook - it’s a guidebook for your journeys in learning. It will show you the most effective methods, the pitfalls we must avoid, and the habits we must cultivate. This book is highly organized and addresses all phases of the learning process, from creating a positive environment, to the biological basis of memory, to learning theories, and more. It borrows from multiple scientific disciplines to present comprehensive techniques to simply learn more, faster. Master your approach and save countless hours. 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. Smarter, faster, and better ways to achieve expertise. •The physical and psychological pre-conditions to effective learning. •How our memory works and how to make it work for you. •The learning techniques that work - with evidence. •How to never need to cram again. •Why Einstein loved to play violin while working. •The learning mistakes you are probably committing right now. Outpace others, beat the competition, and get where you want to go in record time. Learning to learn is one of the most valuable skills you will ever possess because it unlocks everything you want in life. You will better grades, better work product, better relationships, more enjoyable hobbies, and each day you will grow closer to the life you truly want.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
540 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
About the author
Peter Hollins
157 books373 followersPeter 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 18, 2022
I wasn’t expecting much from this book. I have already read many books about learning methodologies and how learning works in humans. But, I enjoyed these types of books and wanted to give another take on the subject.
During the first part of the book, I thought I had made a mistake starting it. Not only I wasn’t learning anything new, but the book felt slow. Thankfully, the second half of the book is much more enjoyable. Especially chapters 4 (Make learning secondary) and 5 (Teaching to learn) are exciting and inspiring. Nothing surprising but inspiring.
In general, and in the end, there is nothing new for me in the book, but it is a fine read. It is short and to the point, and I think it would make a perfect book as a first read on the subject. If you have not read any other essay on learning, this one could be a good entry point.
See it in my blog [josealobato.com](https://josealobato.com/peter-hollins...)
During the first part of the book, I thought I had made a mistake starting it. Not only I wasn’t learning anything new, but the book felt slow. Thankfully, the second half of the book is much more enjoyable. Especially chapters 4 (Make learning secondary) and 5 (Teaching to learn) are exciting and inspiring. Nothing surprising but inspiring.
In general, and in the end, there is nothing new for me in the book, but it is a fine read. It is short and to the point, and I think it would make a perfect book as a first read on the subject. If you have not read any other essay on learning, this one could be a good entry point.
See it in my blog [josealobato.com](https://josealobato.com/peter-hollins...)
April 24, 2021
The joy of this read comes from knowing what répertoire of deployable tactics it's now instilled into my headspace to work with moving forward.
On top of debunking the most commonly adopted learning approaches (which I suspect come into play as second nature in many of our learning experiences today, however inefficient they are), Hollins put together an alternative playbook that is both neat and comprehensive. I particularly enjoyed the discussions built on the idea of organically working with time as a vehicle for strengthening retention and application of new knowledge - 'spaced repetition' or 'distributed practice', to be precise, reset my thoughts on how to coordinate focus blocks with the many daunting subjects I'm undertaking this year for my MAppFin. This framework, as I now understand, is to help us win our battles against the forgetting curve. Prior to stumbling across this read, and frustrated at how little of each piece of new knowledge I seem to retain and recall for assessment purpose, I did start experimenting with some stretched out study plans i.e. breaking what would otherwise be a 3-4 hour focus session a day into much smaller blocks spread evenly across 7-day periods, and had some wins. So there is much satisfaction found when the book reaffirms the merits of my trial run. Thank you, Hollins!
Inspired by this read, I'd now also like to start weaving Feynman's technique, interleaving, syntopical reading and the Cornell method for note-taking into my schedules to generate better learning outcomes in everything I wish to understand, for I couldn't agree more with Hollins on the many effects these strategies would bring alive.
On top of debunking the most commonly adopted learning approaches (which I suspect come into play as second nature in many of our learning experiences today, however inefficient they are), Hollins put together an alternative playbook that is both neat and comprehensive. I particularly enjoyed the discussions built on the idea of organically working with time as a vehicle for strengthening retention and application of new knowledge - 'spaced repetition' or 'distributed practice', to be precise, reset my thoughts on how to coordinate focus blocks with the many daunting subjects I'm undertaking this year for my MAppFin. This framework, as I now understand, is to help us win our battles against the forgetting curve. Prior to stumbling across this read, and frustrated at how little of each piece of new knowledge I seem to retain and recall for assessment purpose, I did start experimenting with some stretched out study plans i.e. breaking what would otherwise be a 3-4 hour focus session a day into much smaller blocks spread evenly across 7-day periods, and had some wins. So there is much satisfaction found when the book reaffirms the merits of my trial run. Thank you, Hollins!
Inspired by this read, I'd now also like to start weaving Feynman's technique, interleaving, syntopical reading and the Cornell method for note-taking into my schedules to generate better learning outcomes in everything I wish to understand, for I couldn't agree more with Hollins on the many effects these strategies would bring alive.
July 11, 2023
Easy to follow with lots of helpful advice on improving your learning. I recommend this book.
April 2, 2024
Czytałam po polsku, ale nie ma tu polskiej edycji. A jak już jesteśmy przy tłumaczeniu to jest przetłumaczona absolutnie tragicznie, jeśli widzi to ktoś ważny to proszę o interwencję w obu sprawach.
A co do treści to po stokroć tak!
To jest malutka książeczka, a napakowana treścią po brzegi. Nieprzegadana, bardzo rzeczowa, idealny balans między teorią, a jej praktycznym zastosowaniem. A do tego jeszcze przedstawia holistyczne podejście do uczenia się.
Ukradłam gwiazdkę bo jeden rozdział uważam za nie do końca jasny, przydługi i jakościowo odstający od pozostałych. Ale patrząc prawdzie w oczy to po prostu się czepiam.
My fellow studenci, polecam przeczytać bardzo serdecznie, ale nie na początek w tej tematyce. Na początek to Redaktora Kotarskiego „Włam się do mózgu”, a to zaraz potem.
A co do treści to po stokroć tak!
To jest malutka książeczka, a napakowana treścią po brzegi. Nieprzegadana, bardzo rzeczowa, idealny balans między teorią, a jej praktycznym zastosowaniem. A do tego jeszcze przedstawia holistyczne podejście do uczenia się.
Ukradłam gwiazdkę bo jeden rozdział uważam za nie do końca jasny, przydługi i jakościowo odstający od pozostałych. Ale patrząc prawdzie w oczy to po prostu się czepiam.
My fellow studenci, polecam przeczytać bardzo serdecznie, ale nie na początek w tej tematyce. Na początek to Redaktora Kotarskiego „Włam się do mózgu”, a to zaraz potem.
February 20, 2023
Rating: 9/10
In Super Learning, Hollins explores the ways that we can learn more effectively using scientific-based strategies and tools.
I'm a firm believer that knowing how to learn quickly and effectively is a highly underrated skill, so naturally, I felt inclined to read Super Learning. After reading Neuro-Discipline (I have a review up on that too) I wasn't sure what to expect with Super Learning; I was worried that it would be filled with fluff or common knowledge on how to learn. However, I found it to be the opposite. I actually enjoyed Super Learning (more than Neuro-Discipline) and learned a lot of new learning strategies that I'm excited to apply.
Like Neuro-Discipline, Super Learning is pretty straightforward (no fluff) and easy to read. There's a healthy amount of scientific studies and research used to back Hollins claims, which I liked. However, also similar to Neuro-Discipline, Super Learning lacks originality in concepts/ideas, which is why I couldn't give it a 9/10.
Otherwise, Super Learning is an overall good read that I think would be beneficial for most (especially students).
In Super Learning, Hollins explores the ways that we can learn more effectively using scientific-based strategies and tools.
I'm a firm believer that knowing how to learn quickly and effectively is a highly underrated skill, so naturally, I felt inclined to read Super Learning. After reading Neuro-Discipline (I have a review up on that too) I wasn't sure what to expect with Super Learning; I was worried that it would be filled with fluff or common knowledge on how to learn. However, I found it to be the opposite. I actually enjoyed Super Learning (more than Neuro-Discipline) and learned a lot of new learning strategies that I'm excited to apply.
Like Neuro-Discipline, Super Learning is pretty straightforward (no fluff) and easy to read. There's a healthy amount of scientific studies and research used to back Hollins claims, which I liked. However, also similar to Neuro-Discipline, Super Learning lacks originality in concepts/ideas, which is why I couldn't give it a 9/10.
Otherwise, Super Learning is an overall good read that I think would be beneficial for most (especially students).
January 13, 2023
Not great. Pretty basic stuff. The one main takeaway is: if you want to become smarter and learn more, don't set out with that as your main objective. Try to forget that goal. Try to learn for other reasons. Try to forget that you are learning, and instead just immerse yourself in your reading and studies with the goal of it being enjoyable. It is a paradox: if you want to become smarter, don't try to become smarter. It's like being cool is only possible when you don't care about being cool.
January 11, 2022
you could learn everything from this book in a youtube video
August 28, 2022
It reads like a summary, of other summaries, from other books the author read on self help.
It is what it is, quick info and no time wasted.
It is what it is, quick info and no time wasted.
March 22, 2024
nie jest jakaś innowacyjna, ale nie jest zła
August 14, 2021
The main idea suggested by the author in this book was to focus on retrieval techniques which reinforces the learning, often this part is ignored in traditional way of learning which focus on memorising . I felt the book was giving a very high level overview of the topic. The author also stressed on the idea of approaching the learning from the perspective of a teacher, who wants to teach the topic to another person, in doing so it help the person to gain in-depth understanding of the topic. Also liked the concept of spaced repetition
June 8, 2023
𝔐𝔬𝔧𝔞 𝔬𝔭𝔦𝔫𝔦𝔞: Większość z nas uczy się wielu rzeczy przez całe życie ale jak robić to bardziej produktywnie i jak zaoszczędzić więcej czasu na przyjemniejsze rzeczy?
Oto przedstawiam wam książkę którą nie bez przyczyny nosi tytuł ,,Mistrz efektywnej nauki". Znajdziecie w niej dużo metod i rad w jaki sposób można najlepiej przyswoić zdobytą wiedzę żeby później ją jak najlepiej wykorzystać. Książka pomoże wam rozplanować naukę ale też dostrzec błędy jakie dotychczas popełniliście.
Dzięki niej coraz bardziej przykładam się do systemu nauki i staram się robić to jak najlepiej.
Polecam tą książkę zwłaszcza osobą, które chodzą do szkoły, pomoże wam ona nie tylko ograniczyć czas nauki ale też poszerzy wasze horyzonty w tym temacie.
Oto przedstawiam wam książkę którą nie bez przyczyny nosi tytuł ,,Mistrz efektywnej nauki". Znajdziecie w niej dużo metod i rad w jaki sposób można najlepiej przyswoić zdobytą wiedzę żeby później ją jak najlepiej wykorzystać. Książka pomoże wam rozplanować naukę ale też dostrzec błędy jakie dotychczas popełniliście.
Dzięki niej coraz bardziej przykładam się do systemu nauki i staram się robić to jak najlepiej.
Polecam tą książkę zwłaszcza osobą, które chodzą do szkoły, pomoże wam ona nie tylko ograniczyć czas nauki ale też poszerzy wasze horyzonty w tym temacie.
January 12, 2022
I enjoyed reading the book. I think he logically explained all of the techniques, many of which I have heard before but he is a logical thinker and organized it very welland was super concise. It’s about being an active reader/learner instead of being a passive reader and the author in the book explains what that entails.
I do think it could of used more illustrations to explain certain points for the sake of inspiring others to practice active reading.
Overall I think the book is worth reading for anyone who wants to learn how to learn.
I do think it could of used more illustrations to explain certain points for the sake of inspiring others to practice active reading.
Overall I think the book is worth reading for anyone who wants to learn how to learn.
January 23, 2023
Super Learning is a quick and practical book containing facts and methods of learning. Although I have heard of many of the methods before, this book was written effectively with concise and to-the-point language and therefore served as a good reminder on learning hygiene. The author practices what he preaches by organizing the content into scannable headers and clear chapter summaries, making the content easy to learn and internalize. Definitely recommend for students and life long learners. Gifting my copy to my sibling who is off to university soon!
July 11, 2024
it’s good but seems to speak to educators mostly
As a previous teacher who now works in academia as well as industry, this book is effective but, it’s more so written in a voice that focuses a lot on the learning a theoretical aspects of “super learning” while leaving a lot of applicability to the side. I find it would be more useful and engaging if it were written in a manner that speaks to the layperson, is engaging in its use of language, and moves far beyond what can be learned in a classroom.
As a previous teacher who now works in academia as well as industry, this book is effective but, it’s more so written in a voice that focuses a lot on the learning a theoretical aspects of “super learning” while leaving a lot of applicability to the side. I find it would be more useful and engaging if it were written in a manner that speaks to the layperson, is engaging in its use of language, and moves far beyond what can be learned in a classroom.
January 16, 2025
Super learning: learn how to learn
This book provides valuable insights into learning effectively, covering topics such as creating optimal learning conditions, improving memory retention, and applying effective learning methods. Additionally, the author highlights common mistakes that learners often make. Personally, I found the knowledge shared in this book incredibly enlightening, and there’s no doubt that it is an essential resource for anyone striving to improve their learning skills.
5 stars, no doubt 🎖️🎖️🎖️🎖️🎖️
This book provides valuable insights into learning effectively, covering topics such as creating optimal learning conditions, improving memory retention, and applying effective learning methods. Additionally, the author highlights common mistakes that learners often make. Personally, I found the knowledge shared in this book incredibly enlightening, and there’s no doubt that it is an essential resource for anyone striving to improve their learning skills.
5 stars, no doubt 🎖️🎖️🎖️🎖️🎖️
August 22, 2021
Learn to learn with this boll
I gave this book because it provided answers to questions regarding learning I've been searching for in a easy to understand and memorable manner, as well as help me raise more questions which is a big part of learning.
I liked the structure of the book and the references used to get the point across.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to make the learning process more interesting, creative, engaging and effective.
I gave this book because it provided answers to questions regarding learning I've been searching for in a easy to understand and memorable manner, as well as help me raise more questions which is a big part of learning.
I liked the structure of the book and the references used to get the point across.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to make the learning process more interesting, creative, engaging and effective.
February 17, 2024
Great summary of all the learning techniques shared by researchers and the author's own ideas. Waiting to implement in my pedagogy and learning.. I also learnt some new words and concepts never known before. I believe it was a syntopical reading and encourages one to think in the right direction and avoid cliched methods to creep in your self study sessions.
That was a fascinating job done by the author 🙂
That was a fascinating job done by the author 🙂
March 7, 2022
A good reference if you have trouble with retention.
I bought this book to help me with retention. I would sometimes have trouble retaining any information I had just read. Using some of the methods brought up in this book, it has made a difference. The author also makes sense of why you may be having a hard time retaining information. All and all great read. 10/10
I bought this book to help me with retention. I would sometimes have trouble retaining any information I had just read. Using some of the methods brought up in this book, it has made a difference. The author also makes sense of why you may be having a hard time retaining information. All and all great read. 10/10
July 26, 2025
Though I learned a lot from this book, I felt as though the book would a bit repetitive in places - even in some places the author would verbatim repeat what he said two pages before. Also, there seemed to be a few grammar mistakes and small spelling mistakes here and there that was a bit distracting. However, outside all of that, the content was very interesting and if you decide to read this book I believe you could learn a lot about different learning strategies.
August 24, 2021
Many learning hobbies
There are so many to chose one, yet sticking to one thing can be the most challenge. Especially, you got so many thoughts that you want to learn. Pleased with good methods can help you dive deeper.
There are so many to chose one, yet sticking to one thing can be the most challenge. Especially, you got so many thoughts that you want to learn. Pleased with good methods can help you dive deeper.
October 6, 2021
Great book
In my opinion this book helps to learn whatever you want, gives you some methods and techniques that help to plan your learning process in a structure way so that take your time to learn to learning.
In my opinion this book helps to learn whatever you want, gives you some methods and techniques that help to plan your learning process in a structure way so that take your time to learn to learning.
September 2, 2025
Nice guide for imporving learning
many methods and observations, I would recommend because I think everyone can find at least a few useful tips inside that’ll help becoming a better learner , and for the short time of reading it’s worth it .
many methods and observations, I would recommend because I think everyone can find at least a few useful tips inside that’ll help becoming a better learner , and for the short time of reading it’s worth it .
June 23, 2021
Great read.
Change your year by reading this in a afternoon. Change your life by thoroughly reading this book for a few days.
Change your year by reading this in a afternoon. Change your life by thoroughly reading this book for a few days.
June 27, 2021
Great book for my students
June 28, 2021
As usual for Peter's books, short but useful.
I have seen most of these techniques, but the cheap price and time are worth it for the new ones.
I have seen most of these techniques, but the cheap price and time are worth it for the new ones.
August 31, 2021
The you very much
Awesome , great , recommended
Awesome , great , recommended
Awesome , great , recommended
Awesome , great , recommended
I will read it again and again
Awesome , great , recommended
Awesome , great , recommended
Awesome , great , recommended
Awesome , great , recommended
I will read it again and again
September 23, 2023
Terrible - has inaccurate info
December 31, 2023
I read the kindle edition, but this is definitely one of those that I’ll be getting a physical copy of one day. Pretty lean and concise, a great one to highlight and tab whenever you need to pull it off the shelf in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews