The World's Best Book Summaries
Why should you study in groups? How do you keep the group functional and effective? Barbara Oakley discusses the benefits of group study when it comes to maximizing your learning. She also offers insights for keeping the group healthy and on task. Read more to about effective group study.
Do you struggle with test-taking anxiety? How might your test performance improve if you successfully managed that anxiety? According to Barbara Oakley, test-taking anxiety can be relieved by managing your time, changing how you view your anxiety, exercising mindfulness, using breathing exercises, and recording your feelings. She describes these strategies in her book A Mind for Numbers. Read more to learn these tips for managing test-taking anxiety.
Do you know how to take tests well? What strategies work the best? A Mind for Numbers author Barbara Oakley recommends the “hard-start-jump-to-easy” test-taking strategy. It has five steps, and it leverages the way your brain works. We’ll discuss this strategy and compare it with a few others. Keep reading to learn how to take tests.
Do you tend to put off studying until the last minute? Do you cram rather than measure your time? In A Mind for Numbers, author Barbara Oakley addresses the problem of procrastination, particularly in the context of learning math and science. She explains why procrastination (including cramming) is a problem, outlines the four components of habitual procrastination, and shares seven strategies for overcoming procrastination. Keep reading to learn how to stop procrastinating and start studying.
What is information chunking? What does it have to do with your ability to remember what you learn? Information chunking is the process in which your memories get consolidated into “chunks” of related information in your brain. As your brain’s file management system, it’s a vital part of the learning process. You can use chunking to learn new problem-solving techniques that will come in handy—especially as you learn math and science. Continue reading to learn about information chunking.
What is interleaving? How can it help you avoid the potential pitfalls of overlearning? Repetition is an important part of learning. However, it’s possible that too much recall and practice of new information and skills can be counterproductive. The solution is interleaving, which is the use of contrasting techniques in order to master one technique. Read more to learn how interleaving is the antidote to overlearning.
What is spaced repetition? How can it help you study and learn? Spaced repetition is a study method in which you revisit material multiple times at certain intervals. It’s a way of making your study time more efficient and effective. Continue reading to learn about spaced repetition and how it can help you learn and remember anything.
What is active recall studying? How might this method help you learn and remember almost anything? Active recall is the act of retrieving information from your memory to deliberately strengthen the neural pathways to it—making sure that it stays accessible in your memory. Author Barbara Oakley asserts that, of all the common study methods that have been researched, active recall studying is the most effective. Read more to learn about active recall studying and how it can help you learn.
Does your memory need a boost? What techniques can help? If you want to remember a person’s name, a grocery list, or information for a test at school, certain techniques can come in handy. The books A Mind for Numbers and Moonwalking with Einstein discuss five mnemonic strategies you should add to your memory toolbox. Read more to learn about these mnemonic strategies.
What is the threshold effect? How does it apply to intelligence and, ultimately, success in life? Geniuses are outliers—they are outside the norm when it comes to intelligence. Higher intelligence certainly can lead to greater success. However, differences in achievement based on intelligence level out at some point. This is the threshold effect. Read more to learn about the threshold effect in relation to intelligence and success.