Make It Stick

Make It Stick has been widely praised for its revolutionary approach to learning and memory. The book successfully translates complex cognitive science into practical strategies that anyone can implement. Reviewers consistently highlight its evidence-based approach, engaging writing style, and transformative impact on how people approach learning. The strategies presented are not just theoretical—they're backed by rigorous research and have been proven effective in both laboratory and real-world educational settings.

Peter C. Brown is a bestselling writer and novelist who brings storytelling expertise to make complex concepts accessible. Henry L. Roediger III is a distinguished professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis and a leading expert in human learning and memory. Mark A. McDaniel is a professor of psychology and director of the Center for Integrative Research on Cognition, Learning, and Education at Washington University. Together, this unique collaboration combines scientific rigor with engaging narrative to create a book that has transformed how people understand and approach learning.

Core Learning Principles from Make It Stick

The Science Behind Effective Learning

Retrieval Practice transforms passive knowledge into active mastery. When you struggle to recall information, you're not failing—you're building stronger neural connections. This "testing effect" makes knowledge more durable and accessible for future use.

Spaced Repetition leverages the forgetting curve to optimize memory retention. By reviewing material just before you're likely to forget it, you reinforce learning more efficiently than through massed practice or cramming.

Interleaving forces your brain to discriminate between concepts, leading to deeper understanding. Mixing different subjects or problem types may feel confusing initially, but this cognitive effort builds flexible knowledge that transfers to new situations.

Practical Implementation Strategies

• For Students: Replace re-reading with self-quizzing using flashcards. Schedule multiple short study sessions instead of marathon sessions. Mix subjects within study blocks rather than focusing on one topic exclusively.

• For Educators: Incorporate low-stakes quizzes and retrieval practice into lessons. Space out review of key concepts over the semester. Design assignments that require students to apply knowledge in varied contexts.

• For Professionals: Apply these principles to skill development and continuing education. Use spaced practice for learning new software or procedures. Create opportunities for retrieval practice in team meetings and training sessions.

Overcoming Common Learning Myths

The book systematically debunks ineffective but popular learning strategies:

• Re-reading creates familiarity but not mastery
• Cramming produces short-term recall but poor long-term retention
• Massed practice (repeating the same type of problem) builds procedural fluency but not conceptual understanding
• Learning styles have little scientific support—effective strategies work for everyone

The Role of Desirable Difficulties

The most effective learning strategies often feel challenging and effortful. This "desirable difficulty" is precisely what makes learning stick. Embrace the struggle of retrieval, the spacing of practice, and the mixing of topics—these challenges are signals that you're building durable, flexible knowledge.

Make It Stick's enduring value lies in its evidence-based approach to transforming how we learn, teach, and remember. By applying these principles, learners at all levels can achieve deeper understanding and longer-lasting retention across all domains of knowledge.