A Deep Dive into Make It Stick

Learning is an essential skill, yet many of us have misconceptions about how to do it effectively. In Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, authors Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel challenge traditional ideas about learning and provide evidence-based strategies to learn smarter, not harder. This post explores the key concepts from Make It Stick and how they can transform the way you approach learning in your personal and professional life.

In our previous post, “The Top 4 Best Learning Techniques for a New Language,” we explored effective strategies such as immersion in real-life contexts, utilizing spaced repetition systems, practicing active recall through speaking and writing, and gamifying the learning experience to enhance language acquisition. Building upon these foundational methods, this post delves into the insights from the book Make It Stick, offering evidence-based approaches to mastering the art of learning across various disciplines.

The Problem with Traditional Learning Approaches

Most people rely on passive techniques like rereading, highlighting, and cramming to study or learn new skills. While these methods may create the illusion of mastery, they are often ineffective for long-term retention. The authors argue that the “easy” methods feel rewarding in the short term but don’t challenge the brain enough to foster deep learning.

Key takeaway: Learning that feels difficult is more effective because it forces your brain to work harder, solidifying the information.

The Core Principles of Make It Stick

Make It Stick introduces several principles that are grounded in cognitive psychology and supported by research. Let’s explore these principles in depth:

1. Retrieval Practice: The Power of Active Recall

Retrieval practice is the act of recalling information from memory, rather than passively reviewing it. When you quiz yourself or try to recall what you’ve learned, you strengthen the neural connections that store the information.

How to Apply Retrieval Practice:

• Use flashcards to test yourself on key concepts.
• At the end of a study session, write down everything you remember without looking at your notes.
• Teach the material to someone else, which forces you to actively retrieve and organize your knowledge.

Why It Works: Retrieval practice interrupts the “forgetting curve,” ensuring the information remains accessible over time.

2. Spaced Repetition: Timing Matters

Cramming might help you pass a test, but it’s not effective for long-term retention. Spaced repetition, on the other hand, involves revisiting material at increasing intervals over time. This technique leverages the forgetting curve to your advantage.

How to Implement Spaced Repetition:

• Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to create flashcards with built-in spaced repetition algorithms.
• Review material at intervals: after one day, then three days, a week, and so on.
• Combine this with retrieval practice for maximum effectiveness.

Why It Works: Spaced repetition gives your brain time to forget and relearn, which strengthens memory retention.

3. Interleaving: Mix It Up

Interleaving involves studying multiple topics or skills in one session instead of focusing on a single subject. While this may feel more confusing initially, it improves your ability to differentiate and apply what you’ve learned.

How to Practice Interleaving:

• When learning math, alternate between solving problems of different types instead of focusing on one type.
• If you’re studying a language, mix grammar exercises, vocabulary, and listening practice in one session.
• Rotate between different skills when preparing for exams or mastering a craft.

Why It Works: Interleaving forces your brain to constantly switch contexts, leading to better understanding and problem-solving skills.

4. Elaboration: Making Connections

Elaboration involves relating new material to what you already know. This process deepens your understanding and makes the information more memorable.

How to Use Elaboration:

• Ask yourself “why” and “how” questions about the material you’re learning.
• Create analogies or metaphors to relate complex concepts to familiar ideas.
• Write summaries of what you’ve learned in your own words.

Why It Works: Elaborating on information helps embed it in your memory by creating multiple pathways for recall.

5. Generation: Learn by Trying

Generation is the process of trying to solve a problem or answer a question before being shown the solution. This active engagement enhances learning, even if you get the answer wrong.

How to Practice Generation:

• Attempt to answer practice questions or solve problems before looking at explanations.
• Predict outcomes or conclusions when reading a book or article.
• Use brainstorming sessions to explore ideas before formal learning.

Why It Works: Struggling to generate answers primes your brain to absorb the correct information more effectively.

6. Reflection: Think About What You’ve Learned

Reflection involves pausing to review what you’ve learned and assessing your understanding. This process helps consolidate learning and identify areas for improvement.

How to Reflect Effectively:

• After each learning session, jot down what went well and what didn’t.
• Write a short summary of key takeaways and questions you still have.
• Think about how you can apply the material to real-life situations.

Why It Works: Reflection helps integrate new knowledge with prior learning, making it easier to use in practical settings.

Practical Applications of Make It Stick

The principles in Make It Stick aren’t limited to students; they can be applied in various contexts:

1. Education

Teachers can transform the classroom by:

• Incorporating frequent low-stakes quizzes.
• Encouraging students to explain concepts in their own words.
• Designing lessons that revisit topics periodically.

2. Professional Development

Professionals can enhance their skills by:

• Using spaced repetition to master new tools or techniques.
• Practicing interleaving to improve problem-solving abilities.
• Reflecting on completed projects to identify lessons learned.

3. Personal Growth

Individuals can apply these principles to:

• Learn a new language using apps with spaced repetition and active recall.
• Master hobbies like playing an instrument or painting through deliberate practice and reflection.
• Develop better habits by setting small challenges and reviewing progress.

Debunking Common Myths About Learning

Make It Stick also addresses some widespread myths that hinder effective learning:

1. Myth: Intelligence is fixed.
   • Reality: Your ability to learn is not static. The brain is highly adaptable, and practice can lead to significant improvements.
2. Myth: Repeated exposure equals learning.
   • Reality: Passive review is not enough; active engagement is key.
3. Myth: Learning should feel easy.
   • Reality: The harder it feels, the more your brain is working to retain the information.

Conclusion: Making Learning Stick

Make It Stick challenges conventional wisdom about learning and provides actionable strategies to achieve lasting results. By incorporating retrieval practice, spaced repetition, interleaving, elaboration, generation, and reflection into your learning routine, you can retain more, understand better, and apply knowledge effectively.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who loves to learn, the principles in this book are invaluable for achieving your goals. Start using these strategies today and see how they transform the way you learn.

What’s your favourite learning strategy from Make It Stick? Share your thoughts in the comments below!