The World's Best Book Summaries
Do you say “I can’t” a lot? Did you have teachers who believed in you? Whether you’re a student in school or looking to pick up new skills, you need to learn effectively. Your beliefs about learning—whether positive or negative—affect your ability to learn. That includes your beliefs about learning in general and your beliefs about your own learning capacity. Keep reading to know more about the power of what you believe.
Does everyone have a learning style that’s most effective for them? What’s the current scientific understanding of the way we learn? Not long ago, the idea of learning styles was all the rage in education. Now, teachers are going in a different direction based on what research shows. Continue reading to learn about the myth of learning styles.
Would you like to go back to school? Are you worried that you don’t have the time or money to do it? If you want to learn something new but aren’t in a position to bankroll a degree, MOOCs might be the answer for you. They’re growing in popularity for a reason. Barbara Oakley discusses the pros and cons of MOOCs in her book Mindshift. Continue reading to learn the advantages of MOOCs, their disadvantages, and advice on how to make the most of them.
How much does your mindset affect your ability to learn? Do you know the good news about neuroplasticity? If you want to learn anything well, you must adopt a learner’s mindset, which is basically a growth mindset toward learning. We’ll discuss the characteristics of a learner’s mindset, the scientific basis behind it, and the practical steps and benefits of adopting one yourself. Read more to understand a learner’s mindset and the difference it makes.
What’s standing in the way of you going back to school? Would you like to learn something new but aren’t sure how to go about it? Many people sense the need for a career change, but they don’t know where to start when it comes to getting the education they need to make that happen. In Mindshift, Oakley writes that it’s possible to overcome perceived barriers and gain new skills so you can reinvent yourself. Read more to learn about several challenges of adult education and how to overcome them.
How far in advance do you schedule study or practice time? Do you have a dedicated learning space? An important step in preparing yourself to learn is to set aside the time and create the right environment in which you can maximize your ability to focus. This involves prioritizing your activities, planning your schedule, eliminating distractions, and creating the proper atmosphere for yourself. Continue reading for advice on how to focus on learning and get the most out of your studies.
Do you have trouble recalling what you’ve learned? Do you rely on last-minute cramming and hope for the best? Often, the first step in any learning process is to absorb and memorize new information, whether it’s a list of historical facts, scientific concepts, or steps to perform a task. The trick is to do it in a way that lets you retain what you’ve learned and access it when needed in the future. Read on for advice on how to remember what you learn and stop squandering your study and practice time.
How well can you explain what you know to others? How might you go past a surface-level knowledge of something and reach a deep understanding? True learning entails comprehension. You can memorize a set of facts and never understand them. Not only is conceptual knowledge valuable in itself, but you also can use it as a springboard to elevate you to an even higher level of learning. Continue reading for tips on how to learn concepts—and to understand the value of doing so.
What are you learning these days? Are you discouraged by the challenge? What if you saw mistakes as progress? One of the hallmarks of learning is that you don’t get something right the first time. True learning is a process that takes time, and it often requires baby steps and even missteps. Incremental progress is progress all the same, and it can be an incredibly effective way to learn. Read on for advice and encouragement to learn by making mistakes.
What if you could read more efficiently? Would you like to be able to memorize the material you’re learning? What’s the best way to prepare for an exam? Drawing on the latest research in cognitive psychology and education, Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe provide proven techniques for mastering new skills and knowledge quickly and efficiently. They provide practical tips for excelling in academic settings so you can become a better learner for life. Continue reading to discover how to do well in school and unlock your full learning potential.