The New Science of Learning

by Todd D. Zakrajsek, John N. Gardner (Foreword)

While preserving the elements that have made the previous two editions so successful―such as chapters on sleep, exercise, memory and mindset―this third edition introduces students to wholly new aspects of brain function and how they impact learning; and furthermore, addresses the challenges of learning online. By introducing new concepts, strategies, and applications related to learning and memory that are based on current findings in cognitive, social, and motivational psychology, this text offers a richer and more complete picture of how brain science illuminates how we learn. Students assigned this book will be equipped to design effective learning plans, employ new strategies, recognize learning traps, discover ways to work effectively in groups, improve recall, and realize better academic performance through test-taking and paper-writing strategies. This new edition also addresses the concerns of all students―particularly those unfamiliar with the college setting and its expectations and assumptions―and offers strategies for success. In keeping with the preceding editions, this book introduces students to concepts, techniques, strategies, tips, and ideas to help them be academically stronger students, advance faster in their studies, and demonstrate what they have learned more effectively―in short, how anyone can learn to be a better learner by learning how to learn in harmony with their brain. The book remains compact and student-friendly, offers examples of practice, and includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Genres: Teaching

282 pages, Paperback

Published June 27, 2022

Reviews

[Abbie Muhlstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. From now on, I will be gifting this to any college-bound high school graduate I know. I wish I knew a lot of this information before I started college or even grad school. Just understanding better how our brains work would have saved me a lot of stress and made my learning so much more efficient.

There are also a lot of practical topics in this book like how to write professional emails and utilize office hours - things we just assume everyone understands, but often don't! (Particularly if they are first generation college students)

[Bonni · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this new version of The New Science of Learning, Todd Zakrajsek offers us both the theory and practice of how to learn (or facilitate learning) in harmony with the human brain. His credibility and warmth come through on every page. He shares the struggles that he has experienced in his own academic journey with authenticity and encouragement. There are practical approaches we can use, along with the rationale of why they are shown to be effective.

[Spencer Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. There are great tips for learning better, especially in a school setting. Would be great to read before starting college or a new education program. A lot of it I could skim over as it was repetitive or not totally applicable, but overall helpful to learn a little more about how our brains work and learn effectively.

[Mallory McGaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read this for Physical Therapy school and I really wish I had read it in undergrad. I learned a lot about my self as a student and was able to reflect on how I learn best. Recommend this book to anyone in school!!

[Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a powerful tool to guide you to learn better, I learned a lot of things that I am applying in my Doctorate. It is interesting how our brain needs also to have a good routine to be more effective. I love it.

[Anton Simakov · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading after Part One, i.e. after 60+ pages full of information not even remotely related to the book title.

[Mackenzie O’Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read it for my College English Comp class.