Learn like a Pro

Do you spend too much time learning with disappointing results? Do you find it difficult to remember what you read? Do you put off studying because it’s boring and you’re easily distracted? This book is for you.

Barb Oakley and Olav Schewe have both struggled in the past with their learning. But they have found techniques to help them master material—any material. Building on insights from neuroscience and cognitive psychology, they give you a crash course to improve your ability to learn, whether you’re studying math, language, coding, karate, cooking, or anything else. You’ll see why the strategies work because you’ll see what’s happening in the brain when you use them.Through their decades of writing, teaching, and research on learning, the authors have developed deep connections with experts from a vast array of disciplines. What you’ll find in this little book are the very best of practical learning tools and insights synthesized from research in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, education, and many other fields. And it’s all honed with feedback from thousands of students who have themselves gone through the trenches of learning.
Successful learners gradually add tools and techniques to their mental toolbox, and they think critically about their learning to determine when and how to best use their mental tools. That allows these learners to make the best use of their brains, whether those brains seem “naturally” geared toward learning or not. This book will teach you how you can do the same.

Chapter 1. How to Focus Intently and Beat Procrastination
Chapter 2. How to Overcome Being Stuck
Chapter 3. How to Learn Anything Deeply
Chapter 4. How to Maximize Working Memory—and Take Better Notes
Chapter 5. How to Memorize and Internalize
Chapter 6. How to Exert Self-discipline Even When You Don’t Have Any
Chapter 7. How to Motivate Yourself
Chapter 8. How to Read Effectively
Chapter 9. How to Win Big on Tests
Chapter 10. How to Be a Strategic Learner