Learn better : mastering the skills for success in life, business, and school, or, how to become an expert in just about anything

For centuries, experts have argued that learning was about memorizing information: You're supposed to study facts, dates, and details, burn them into your memory, and then apply that knowledge at opportune times. But this approach to learning isn’t nearly enough for the world that we live in today, and in __Learn Better__ journalist and education researcher Ulrich Boser demonstrates that __how__ we learn can matter just as much as what we learn. In this brilliantly researched book, Boser maps out the new science of learning, showing how simple techniques like comprehension check-ins and making material personally relatable can help people gain expertise in dramatically better ways. He covers six key steps to help readers “learn how to learn,” all illuminated with fascinating stories like how Jackson Pollock developed his unique painting style and why an ancient Japanese counting device allows kids to do math at superhuman speeds. Boser’s witty, engaging writing makes this book feel like a guilty pleasure, not homework. __Learn Better__ will revolutionize the way students and society alike approach learning and makes the case that being smart is not an innate ability ― learning is a skill everyone can master. With Boser as their guide, readers will be able to fully capitalize on their brain’s remarkable ability to gain new skills and open up a whole new world of possibilities. For centuries, experts have argued that learning was about memorizing information: You're supposed to study facts, dates, and details; burn them into your memory; and then apply that knowledge at opportune times. But this approach to learning isn’t nearly enough for the world that we live in today, and in Learn Better journalist and education researcher Ulrich Boser demonstrates that how we learn can matter just as much as what we learn. In this brilliantly researched book, Boser maps out the new science of learning, showing how simple techniques like comprehension check-ins and making material personally relatable can help people gain expertise in dramatically better ways. He covers six key steps to help you “learn how to learn,” all illuminated with fascinating stories like how Jackson Pollock developed his unique painting style and why an ancient Japanese counting device allows kids to do math at superhuman speeds. Boser’s witty, engaging writing makes this book feel like a guilty pleasure, not homework. Learn Better will revolutionize the way students and society alike approach learning and makes the case that being smart is not an innate ability—learning is a skill everyone can master. With Boser as your guide, you will be able to fully capitalize on your brain’s remarkable ability to gain new skills and open up a whole new world of possibilities. "The way you've been taught to learn isn't nearly good enough for the world we live in today. For centuries, schools emphasized rote memorization: you were supposed to study facts and figures, dates and details, and burn them into your consciousness. But this short-sighted approach doesn't allow for a deeper level of understanding. In Learn Better, writer Ulrich Boser demonstrates that *how* we learn often matters just as much as *what* we learn. Brilliantly researched, Learn Better is a guide to the new science of learning, showing how simple techniques like thinking about thinking can foster richer understanding. Boser distills some of the key steps of 'learning to learn,' from uncovering meaning in an area of expertise to applying what you know. The advice is illuminated with fascinating stories and anecdotes, like how artist Jackson Pollock developed his unique painting style and why an ancient Japanese counting device helps people gain superhuman math skills. Learn Better will revolutionize the way students and society approach education, making the case that learning is a process that everyone can master. With Boser as your guide, you will be able to fully capitalize on your brain's remarkable ability to gain new skills."--Dust jacket For centuries, learning emphasized memorizing information: You were supposed to study facts, dates, and details, and burn them into your consciousness. But this approach to learning is outdated and contrary to how our brains really work. In Learn Better, writer and education researcher Ulrich Boser maps out the new science of learning, demonstrating how we can gain expertise in dramatically better ways. In this entertaining and engrossing book, Boser argues that learning is a skill, showing how techniques like self-questioning and thinking about thinking can create much deeper levels of understanding. Among the important findings and practical tips, Boser tells fascinating stories, like how Jackson Pollock came to his revolutionary drip painting method - and why an ancient counting device helps people gain superhuman math skills. This powerful book will revolutionize the way that you acquire mastery, with far-reaching implications for both you and society. But perhaps most importantly, you will be able to fully capitalize on your mind's remarkable ability to develop new skills Memorization: You Study Facts, Dates, And Details, Burn Them Into Your Memory, And Then Apply That Knowledge At Opportune Times. But Boser Demonstrates That How We Learn Can Matter Just As Much As What We Learn. He Covers Six Key Steps To Help Readers Learn How To Learn And Makes The Case That Being Smart Is Not An Innate Ability-- Learning Is A Skill Everyone Can Master. Introduction -- Value -- Target -- Develop -- Expand -- Relate -- Rethink -- Epilogue. Ulrich Boser. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 229-263) And Index.