Author Description

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown Make It Stick is a groundbreaking book that challenges common myths about how we learn and offers evidence-based strategies to learn more effectively and retain knowledge in the long term. It is co-authored by cognitive psychologists Henry Roediger III and Mark McDaniel, along with writer Peter C. Brown, and synthesizes decades of research on memory and learning. The core premise is that many traditional study methods—like rereading textbooks or cramming—are neither the most efficient nor the most durable ways to master information. Instead, the authors present techniques that may sometimes feel less intuitive or more demanding but lead to stronger retention and deeper understanding. This book is valuable for students, teachers, lifelong learners, or anyone seeking to improve how they acquire and remember new skills and knowledge. Key Principles and Techniques Retrieval Practice Definition: Actively recalling information from memory (e.g., through quizzes, flashcards, or practice questions). Why It Works: The mental effort of trying to retrieve knowledge strengthens neural pathways, making future recall easier and more accurate. Tip for Implementation: Replace passive rereading with self-tests or explain concepts aloud without looking at your notes. Spaced Repetition Definition: Spreading out study or practice sessions over time rather than cramming. Why It Works: Allowing a bit of forgetting between sessions requires more cognitive effort to retrieve the information later, ultimately reinforcing memory. Tip for Implementation: Plan a schedule that revisits material at increasing intervals, rather than covering everything in one or two prolonged sessions. Interleaving Definition: Mixing different but related topics or problem types in a study or practice session (e.g., rotating between math p