Learn Like a Pro
Learn Like a Pro: Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything
By: Barbara Oakley, Olav Schewe
One of the first things I read was authors’ direction to “find a place to study where distractions are eliminated or minimized.”
After I laughed for a good five minutes I realized this book might not be geared toward a mother of 4 kids under 5 who all want every minute of my attention for hugs, nonsensical conversations, diaper changes, food, and require regular wiping of every surface in existence. I don’t know the last time I had 3 full minutes of complete quiet before 8 pm.
As I reflect on this short book about learning, I would probably say the subtitle is a bit of an oversell. There was some science-based comments and their uber long bibliography shows they were sourced, but I wouldn’t say I gained a lot of knowledge about how the brain and body work.
As to ‘becoming better at anything’… I don’t know. I’m not sure these methods are your ticket to fame and fortune on all fronts. Better at studying and memorizing, yes; better at cooking, investing, being patient, and Barry Gibbs impressions, not so much. This subtitle needs an asterisk.
I would say the sweet spot for this book is college students or adults who are studying for tests or regularly need to learn new and complicated information.
I did pretty good in college but I would say I did the bare minimum when it came to studying. As I am ten years removed from it, I regret some of the use of my time. I could have learned and retained so much more if I had read this book during that time.
I for sure would have gotten better art history grades…
My husband and I have always said that school (at any level) is really just learning how to learn. You might not need all the information you learn about for the rest of your life, but by learning how to learn the information, it sets you up for being a life-long learner who can remember the information that does matter later and making connections which will allow you to understand people and the world better.
So a book where you learn how to learn is valuable.
Are there earth-shattering learning methods in this book?— no. After all, finding a quiet place to study, reducing distractions (ahem… your phone), making flashcards, taking breaks, working towards achievable goals, rewarding yourself, studying in groups, reading the instructions, etc, are not new ideas.
But maybe this book is less about the material and more about inspiring its readers to desire to learn and to realize it is doable and not that hard. This is the kick in the pants to just get up and do it.
Thinking back to my college self I think I would have been more likely to actually implement useful studying and memorization techniques had I read a book like this.
They cover things like distractions, procrastination, self-discipline, test-taking, memorization, taking notes, fast thinking and recall, working memory, and diffuse mode.
Let’s talk about diffuse mode for a minute. This is the thinking your brain does while you’re not focused on anything. Most people probably use this to work through difficult problems or make connections while they’re taking breaks from studying. But there are other benefits.
Here’s my personal diffuse mode testimony: My brain was ‘diffusing’ while I took a shower and my brain tried to extract the memory of the last time I bathed my twin 11-month-olds and in failing to do so, helped me diffuse the realization that it had been almost three weeks since their last bath. (Possibly more, this was a complete guess) One might argue my diffusing was lagging if it took that many shower diffuses of my own to reach this enlightenment. And one would be correct. Neuroscience at work in the mom life.
Here are a few things I learned that I can apply to things in my current life:
If I need a mental break, using my phone will not provide the results I’m looking for. Choose something like a walk, a shower, a snack, or just sitting doing absolutely nothing.
If I want to remember information I recently obtained or read, the more times I try to retrieve this information the stronger the neural connections become— so regularly summarize the information and discuss it with others, or stop every so often to write down the main points and then revisit those points the next day.
If I come across a new word while reading, look up the definition and as I read, swap out the new word with a synonym as I’m reading and I will learn this word better. (I was already doing this!)
Doing certain gestures or actions for certain words or phrases can help you memorize material better— for example, in my life I am teaching my kids the fruits of the Spirit and giving an action to each word has significantly helped them memorize and recall these harder words
If you want to get something done (studying— or for me, finally finishing that Shutterfly book I never get around to, or folding the laundry sitting in the hallway for over a week) make a plan and set things up the night before. It will make getting started easier if you know exactly when and where you plan to complete your task. Make the right choices easier.
Another helpful aspect of this book is their listings of apps that will help for various tasks— making notes or lists, getting out of bed in the morning, providing background noise, keeping your phone from being a distraction, etc. I think many will find these apps beneficial and may not have come across them otherwise.
I was reading an advanced reader’s copy so it was an unfinished e-version. There was some formatting confusion and indications that the book would have diagrams to illustrate certain points. My version did not have these diagrams. It seems like it would have been helpful to have visual aids. Hopefully the finished book has some slammin’ drawings for you guys.
I almost think this book could have been longer. I liked the shortness of it, especially since I wasn’t exactly the target audience. But I felt like they should have fleshed out some of the techniques more and provided more examples— maybe in appendices? They also could have included more neuroscience. As someone who isn’t regularly studying, the techniques were less valuable to me right now then just the fun of learning more information of how the brain functions and reacts in certain situations.
So basically, if you are in school, class, or studying mode of any kind— definitely give this book a shot. I think it could boost your scores, retention, and ability to learn. It’s short and applicable.
If you are like me and just like learning, I don’t know if you would enjoy this book as much. There are probably better versions that are more informative or interesting.
**Received an ARC via NetGalley**
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