Peter Brown brings extensive research in neuroscience and education from the academia to the user. This book is a comprehensive work on how the brain works and how one can use this new knowledge to excel learning. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for being better learner.I felt that Brown play safe not criticizing the current school system. Although the purpose of the book is to summarize all these new ideas about learning/brain-building along suggestions on how to make them work, many of the obstacles he identifies come from the school system. If the ideas of learning as a responsibility of the learner not the teacher, and the teacher's new role as a facilitator don't permeate the system those who choose to be life long learners will have a lot to unlearn to learn. This a longish book with some simple messages. One of which is learning is done well with 'spaced repetition' - hence the length of the book! The authors contend that learning (aka remembering) is best done by some simple ways but that there is no easy way. In fact the effort of trying to remember things actually builds memory - and that students should be prepared to work hard. Research suggests IQ is a less reliable guide to academic success than sheer effort.There are some good examples of teachers and trainers who have been prepared to take the fruit of this research and implement it.
Fascinating look at what current research reveals about strategies for long-term learning.
—Charlie
I read this in 3-5 sittings. Would tell someone else to read.
—AlexisLove
Excellent. Modern science and theory made very practical.
—Shawn
Excellent book.
—daamnboo