Outsmart Your Brain

Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy

By: Daniel T. Willingham Ph.D Ph.D

Narrated by: André Santana

In this revolutionary, comprehensive, and accessible guide on how the brain learns, discover how to study more efficiently and effectively, shrug away exam stress, and most of all, enjoy learning.

When we study, we tend to focus on the tasks we can most easily control—such as highlighting and rereading—but these practices only give the illusion of mastery. As Dan Willingham, professor of psychology and bestselling author, explains, familiarity is not the same as comprehension.

Perfect for teachers and students of all ages, Outsmart Your Brain provides real-world practices and the latest research on how to train your brain for better learning. Each chapter provides clear and specific strategies while also explaining why traditional study processes do not work. Grounded in scientifically backed practical advice, this is the ultimate guide to improving grades and better understanding the power of our own brains.

Good advice and insights for college students

Good advice on how to be more productive in college - to learn better and with less wasted effort.
Alas, it will seem to many students as advice like flossing your teeth. Some of the advice seems obvious and simply depends on the student putting in the effort. but there's also good advice on what doesn't work and should be avoided. Avoiding bad practices and concentrating on good practices seems like a win.
There are also good insights into how and why professors teach the way they do. Those are kinda cool.

Be warned, this is not a behavioral science book like Kahneman or something.

Solid for supporting students

Many helpful tops for supporting high school students and for preparing students aspiring to college. The final chapter on anxiety was the most useful.

great for students and instructors

this book changed my life in a way that would be hard to describe in more than 15 words.

Mnemonics underrated

Mnemonics can be used sparingly in logical courses like calculus and many chemistry and physics courses. In liberal arts courses, mnemonics are critical to link new words or ideas with established memories. A science major needs to use the additional time for afternoon lab classes or daily calculus homework. Time cannot be spent on liberal arts courses by the author’s recommendation of study groups, or organizing your notes or creating outlines.

This book is a generous gift!!

I am extremely appreciative of the decades of research and thought provoking ideas shared in this book. Dr. Willingham puts techniques for successful learning firmly in our grasp, and more importantly, he explains why we behave the way we do and how and why the techniques work. Context is so valuable. If you're raising a student, this is a must read, or even if you're a life long learner yourself. Enjoy!