Make It Stick: Book Notes

 As an avid reader and lifelong learner, i'm always looking for ways to maximize retention and help to streamline the learning process. Peter Brown's book Make it Stick is an excellent resource for doing just that. 
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Here are my notes:
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• Retrieval strategies like quizzes or flash cards are better than re-reading text and lecture notes.

• Massed/blocked practice (practicing one skill at a time over and over until competent) is more successful in short term for an immediate test but interleaved/randomized practice is better for long term retention. However, it is also more cognitively demanding than massed/blocked.

• Massed practice (rote memorization by trying to burn things into memory doesn't work). It is transient at best. It's also time consuming. This is why you can cram for a test and get a bunch of information in, but you'll forget it a week or two later. 

• Retrieval interrupts forgetting (I.e.-low stakes quizzing and self-testing frequently instead of just reviewing). Regular self-quizzing is very potent. (tip: you can make your own quizzes or search for other already-made quizzes on www.quizlet.com).

• Learning is about interrupting the process of forgetting (we forget about 70% of what we just read). 

• Immediate testing after reading material has better outcomes even a week after than simply reading alone.

• Sleep is important for memory consolidation. If you're not sleeping, get ready to suck at learning. 

• The better the mastery the less frequent practice is needed.

• "Practice like you play and you'll play like you practice" (better transfer of learning). Perfect pratice makes perfect performance.