Mark McDaniel

Make It Stick

1. IDEA 1

   Rereading creates an illusion of learning

   The authors argue that rereading and highlighting feel productive but often lead to weak learning. Familiarity with text tricks students into thinking they know material, an illusion that breaks down in real tests.

2. IDEA 2

   Testing yourself strengthens memory

   Retrieval practice, recalling information from memory, is one of the most powerful learning tools. The authors explain that each effortful recall strengthens memory more than passive review, so quizzes help learning, not just measure it.

3. IDEA 3

   Spacing beats cramming

   Practice spread out over time leads to longer-lasting learning than cramming. The authors note that a little forgetting between sessions makes the next recall harder, and that difficulty helps build stronger memory.

All 8 ideas from Make It Stick →