In an educational landscape filled with study advice and learning techniques, few resources stand out as truly transformative. "Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning" by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel is a must-read book that challenges conventional wisdom about learning and presents evidence-based strategies that genuinely work. As cognitive scientists and learning experts, the authors synthesize decades of research to revolutionize our understanding of effective learning.

"Learning is deeper and more durable when it's effortful. Learning that's easy is like writing in sand, here today and gone tomorrow."

This groundbreaking work doesn't just theorize about learning; it provides practical, actionable strategies backed by neuroscience that can be implemented immediately in classrooms or independent study. Let's explore the eight powerful learning techniques championed in this remarkable book that have the potential to transform your approach to education.

Retrieval Practice: The Power of Active Recall

Perhaps the most revolutionary insight from "Make It Stick" is the immense power of retrieval practice. The authors convincingly demonstrate that the act of actively recalling information—rather than simply reviewing it—dramatically strengthens learning and memory pathways in the brain.

Traditional studying often involves re-reading notes or textbooks, highlighting important passages, and reviewing material repeatedly. However, the research presented in "Make It Stick" suggests these approaches are surprisingly ineffective compared to retrieval practice.

Instead, the authors advocate for:

• Closing your books and trying to recall key concepts
• Using flashcards to test yourself (focusing on the retrieval, not just recognition)
• Explaining concepts aloud without referring to notes
• Taking frequent practice tests

As the authors eloquently state, "The act of retrieving learning from memory has two profound benefits: It tells you what you know and don't know, and it strengthens the memory of what you know."

Spaced Repetition: Timing Is Everything

"Make It Stick" brilliantly explains why cramming fails us in the long run. The book reveals how our brains are designed to learn incrementally over time, with strategic spacing between practice sessions.

The authors describe how spaced repetition works with our brain's natural forgetting curve. By revisiting material just as we begin to forget it, we strengthen neural connections more effectively than by reviewing information repeatedly in a single session.

"When learning is spaced, forgetting is the friend of learning."

For teachers, this means designing curricula that cycle back to important concepts throughout the year. For students, it suggests distributing study sessions over days or weeks rather than marathon sessions before exams.

Interleaving: The Mixed-Practice Advantage

One of the most counterintuitive findings presented in "Make It Stick" is the power of interleaving—mixing up different types of problems or subjects rather than focusing on one topic at a time. While this approach initially feels more difficult and less productive, the research shows it produces superior long-term learning.

The book explains how interleaving helps students develop the crucial skill of discriminating between problem types and selecting appropriate strategies—something that blocked practice simply doesn't teach.

For example, a math teacher applying interleaving principles might include problems requiring different formulas and approaches within the same homework assignment rather than grouping all similar problems together. While students might initially struggle more, they'll develop better judgment about when to apply specific techniques.

Elaboration: Creating Meaningful Connections

"Make It Stick" emphasizes that learning isn't just about memorizing facts—it's about understanding. Elaboration involves explaining and describing ideas with rich detail and connecting new knowledge to existing mental frameworks.

The authors show how effective learners use techniques like:

• Creating analogies and metaphors
• Relating new information to personal experiences
• Explaining concepts in their own words
• Asking "why" and "how" questions

As the book illustrates, these elaboration techniques help build robust neural networks that enhance both understanding and recall. For students, this means moving beyond memorization to truly grasp underlying principles.

Generation: The Benefit of Productive Struggle

Perhaps one of the most empowering messages in "Make It Stick" is the value of attempting to solve problems before knowing the solution. The authors describe how the act of generation—trying to answer questions or solve problems before being taught—primes the brain for deeper learning.

This concept challenges the traditional educational sequence of teaching followed by practice. Instead, the research supports having students attempt problems first, even if they struggle or make errors. This productive struggle creates fertile ground for learning when the correct approach is later revealed.

"Trying to solve a problem before being shown the answer leads to better learning, even when errors are made in the attempt."

Teachers applying this principle might present students with challenging problems before formal instruction, creating cognitive "hooks" that make subsequent teaching more meaningful and memorable.

Reflection: The Metacognitive Advantage

"Make It Stick" eloquently describes how taking time to reflect on what we've learned substantially enhances retention. Reflection involves thinking about thinking—considering not just what was learned but how the learning process unfolded.

The book shows how reflection activities like:

• Maintaining a learning journal
• Discussing concepts with peers
• Self-explaining problem-solving steps
• Identifying connections between topics

These practices enhance metacognition—our awareness of and control over our learning processes. By developing this skill, students become more self-directed and effective learners.

Calibration: Accurate Self-Assessment

One of the most valuable insights from "Make It Stick" is our tendency to misjudge our own learning. The authors describe how students often fall victim to "illusions of knowing"—believing they understand material better than they actually do.

The book outlines how regular feedback and assessments help calibrate our self-perception, giving us a more accurate picture of what we know and what we need to work on. This clear-eyed self-assessment is crucial for effective learning.

Teachers can support calibration by providing frequent low-stakes quizzes and encouraging students to predict their performance before receiving feedback. This helps learners develop the essential skill of accurately judging their own knowledge.

Embracing Desirable Difficulties

Perhaps most importantly, "Make It Stick" challenges the notion that effective learning should feel easy. Instead, the authors make a compelling case that certain kinds of difficulties are actually desirable because they lead to deeper, more durable learning.

The book explains how strategies that make learning feel harder in the short term—like retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and interleaving—lead to better long-term outcomes. By embracing these "desirable difficulties," we can move beyond the comfort of familiarity to achieve genuine mastery.

"The more effort required to retrieve (or generate) the information, the better you learn it."

For educators, this means resisting the urge to make everything easy and instead designing learning experiences that incorporate productive struggle. For students, it means recognizing that confusion and effort often signal effective learning, not failure.

Summary

"Make It Stick" transforms our understanding of effective learning through these research-backed strategies:

• Retrieval Practice: Testing yourself strengthens memory more than rereading
• Spaced Repetition: Distributing practice over time enhances retention
• Interleaving: Mixing up problem types develops better discrimination skills
• Elaboration: Connecting new knowledge to existing understanding deepens learning
• Generation: Attempting solutions before being taught primes the brain for learning
• Reflection: Thinking about your learning enhances metacognition
• Calibration: Accurate self-assessment guides effective study
• Desirable Difficulties: Productive struggle leads to stronger learning

Reference

Brown, P. C., Roediger, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make it stick: The science of successful learning. Harvard University Press.