How We Learn

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What if almost everything we think about learning is wrong? What if we could learn more with less effort? Award-winning science reporter Benedict Carey presents a compelling research-based explanation of how we learn.

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I. Introduction

Benedict Carey, a science reporter for the New York Times, was fascinated with how learning happens, thanks largely to his own academic history. As a high schooler, he was hyper-studious and somewhat miserable. In college, however, he was a bit of a slacker — yet learned more and was generally happier.

When he started researching how humans learn, he discovered that much of the research supported his own experience. What surprised him even more was how little of this research had made into the hands of parents and educators.

Carey aims to rectify that with this book. He wants parents, teachers, and school administrators to know that traditional study routines can be counterproductive to true learning. He hopes to explain that taking naps in the middle of a workday can be beneficial for innovation and productivity.

The research he shares here not only provides advice for better learning, but it also offers a framework for a better life.

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II. What is Memory?

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III. Forgetting is Your Friend

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IV. Context and Neural Connections

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V. We Don’t Know as Much as We Think

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VI. Use Shorter Study Sessions Over Time

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VII. Testing as a Form of Study

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