This has become one of my favorite books to recommend to learners. It should be a primer for student orientation groups as well as secondary/post-secondary teachers. The content is memorable, accessible, and relatable. Fantastic resource!

While I don't think I'm entirely the right audience for this book, it was an enjoyable read that mostly provided a review of concepts I'd already learned over years in grad school. It will likely be a very good book for students in high school and college, as well as inviduals who did not 'learn how to learn' during their school years.

One thing I wish that the book had done differently was generalities. For example, in the "Challenges" chapter, there was the sentence: "when you're writing essays and reports, your tendency is to edit every sentence as soon as it comes out." I don't think this generalization is always right (it doesn't apply to me, for example!); I get stuck by often not being sure where to go next (and free-writing on a different subject often helps with that, presumably by also activating diffuse mode).

This book is full of hands-on tips for studying and learning. Probably the best I have seen as far as covering many practical tips in a way that seems extremely useable. Many other tip books have seemed to me very much like long lists without explanation that overwhelm, or the reader has to work to pull out/find any useable tips. This book seems to walk that line well IMO, giving the reader practical ways to implement along with clear if brief information on why they work. My only caveat would be that although there is a chapter on how best to study for college type tests, there are no chapters that address specifically how to learn out in the wild (i.e. not in a formal education situation) -- although obviously many of the other tips can be used no matter what situation you are in. I would strongly recommend this book for high schoolers and college students, and I would still recommend it as a basic primer to those who are beyond that and looking for strategies that work, and even for those who are well-read in the area who just want the strategies listed out clearly and succinctly.

This book has a lot of great tips. I wish something like this was out when I was in school, maybe there was but I just never looked. :) I am going to give some of these tips to my kids and hopefully it will help them in some areas. This is not a book I would normally read but I am glad I did. It was a quick read and very informational.

****Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and Essentials for giving me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.

(3.5 rounded up because I'm not the target audience)

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.

Learn like a Pro has some great tips that are geared toward high school and university students. It is a short read, provides practical advice and explains the strategies clearly. I can see a great benefit for some students that are struggling with effective study strategies, but as a learning support specialist I did not learn a single new strategy that I don't already use with my students both one to one and in large group workshops.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

There are so many great study tips in this book it would take a half-dozen passes through the book to absorb them all. Every time you pick up the book, you will leave with something worthwhile and if you practice these ideas you will be smarter, more confident, more capable, and you will have a lot more fun with your life and career.

This book is well researched and puts into words all the tips I have ever given my students as study tips over my many years in teaching. It not only gives great tips and suggestions for productive learning, it is also very well laid out in a way to improve your learning by using a format that matches what they are advocating for the learner to do. The chapters are clear and focus on one major tip and have suggestions for techniques and apps to use when doing the tip. I would and will happily suggest this book to my students, especially high school and early college students.

Thank you very much for this book it has helped me to pass my classes as I move forward with my career I will be grateful to you

Oakley understands the ways people are habitually trained to learn, think and discover new material. Her book is a clear demonstration to this end and I'd recommend if for anyone wanting to understand the why behind some of the best practices in skill development, processing and scholarship, among other areas of benefit.

Learn Like a Pro by Dr. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe is a short book that shares techniques and tips that help the reader master the process of learning.

This book is a very short read that is easy to read with bullet points and figures that help the reader read and understand material quickly. Each chapter provides short summaries that synthesize the material taught in the section which are really helpful to refresh on the material. In the sections the authors share the techniques and how to implement the techniques. The authors then explain the benefits of applying the techniques without bogging down the reader with information dumps.

The writing style is conversational and concise which contributes to the simplicity of the writing. I really appreciated that the book shared recommended apps that were relevant to the techniques shared which makes it even easier to implement. The best chapters in my opinion were actual techniques designed to help you build self-discipline and motivation. Usually most books recommend advice like "just do it" but this book offers tangible tips that have already helped me! This book is a great reference book for those who want something concise but provides truly helpful techniques to learn better and faster. I definitely recommend this book!

Many thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press - Essentials and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I picked up this book because I consider myself a life-long learner and I also train and develop employees in my job. The book is structured in a very approachable way with tips and summaries to help the information "stick" -- the writers are practicing what they preach about how we learn and recall. I was in college over 30 years ago but wished I had a book like this to help me more effectively study and learn! Some of the tips that are applicable to everyone include chapters on how to focus intently and beat procrastination using a method called Pomodoro (time-based focus). I had heard about this technique but what was new was when you take a break do not look at your phone. because it does not allow your brain to recharge as effectively. Other key chapters for me include how to read effectively (for retention) and how to maximize working memory and taking better notes. At the end, is a checklist covering all the concepts on "How to Be an Effective Learner" - it is important to read the book to fully understand the checklist concepts (which the authors also say) and I will use this as a reference for myself going forward.

Whether you are a student or a lifelong learner, I highly recommend this book.

Pro Tips
I loved this book! As someone going back to graduate school in the late summer, I welcome any tips I can learn about LEARNING and this book by Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe got me excited about gaining knowledge and really understanding new facts. I started using the Pomodoro method of a timed 25-minutes of focus followed by a 5-minute break when I’m scattered and the advice to make goals SMART: specific, measurable, ambitious, realistic, and time-limited stayed with me. The book explains the importance of continuing to form new connections in long-term memory and developing deep understanding by forming long links connected to other links. Right? It’s cool!
Seriously the only issue is that they have visual aids in the book that don’t show up in my Kindle version--very disappointing and I’m surprised other reviewers didn’t mention it.

Wendy Ward
http://wendyrward.tumblr.com

Review Title: Concise Learning Tips (review of Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley, PhD and Olav Schewe)

Reviewer: Janice S. Garey

***** 5 Stars

Although this book contains some strategies that seasoned learners probably already use, it offers much more based on reliable research and insights from the authors who have struggled with learning themsrlves. Back when I attended college, I found by trial and error what seemed to work for learning all required to pass exams and make a good grade. I wish I could have had a copy of this book then to give me additional helps and tips to enhance my learning. I found this book quite practical for those engaged academically, learning new job skills, or even learning new skills in sports or the arts.

A Note to the Reader at the start of the book says, ” . . . both of us have struggled in the past with our learning. But we have found techniques to help us master material.” Their sincere desire to help others with their down to earth teaching style shines within the pages. All information is clearly organized for ease in use. The reader will best be informed by reading the whole book and skimming what the reader has already put in place, but if crunched for time, chapters are clearly described so you can get to a specific you need help with quickly.

The first chapter, How to Focus and Beat Procrastination, begins with an area that universally gives many people problems. Almost immediately the reader learns of the Pomodoro Technique that works wonders by structuring study sessions. The book uses numbered steps to help reach goals along with bullet points for additional relevant tips. There is a fair amount of white space on the pages which helps give the feel of a managable checklist toward accomplishment. At the end of the chapters, a review of the techniques covered in the chapter reinforces learning.

The second chapter delves into another universal problem in learning which is being stuck and unable to advance or take charge of what needs to be mastered. An explanation of the neuroscience behind why techniques work motivates the reader to not be afraid to try a new approach for a breakthrough. All eleven chapters cover topics thoroughly for a basic understanding that could turn a B student into an A student if techniques are applied. The book does not make that promise, but I feel the potential is there for those who fully utilize what is in this book. It’s chock full of valuable information.

I received an ebook ARC, Advanced Reader Copy, from Netgalley for the purpose of reading and giving my honest opinion in a review. I have done that, and offer that I highly recommend this book. I now hope to purchase a book of my own to keep on my reference shelf.

If you've spent time online looking for blogs or articles about learning more, the best of everything is collected here. A quick read of different processes and ways to process information.

This was a short but effective introduction to optimizing the learning experience. Most of the techniques were familiar to me, but it was refreshing to see them laid out in an effective way.

The tips to overcome boundaries were especially thoughtful, and I think this would be helpful when examining how we learn best.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Learn Like a Pro is a good distillation of a lot of information on learning and how to learn and the different philosophies. I would say this book is better for beginners in the field of learning as lot of this information is not "new" or "different" than what you can find anywhere else. That said, I think the examples are good and helpful.

An interesting book about studying and different philosophies of how to study. How long to study depending on your major. A lot of this information can be found elsewhere. I didn't get much new from this book.

Barbara Oakley's course on learning how to learn is world famous. A book from her deserves a read. If you think you got the whole learnign thing down, then the book is more helpfult o beginner learners. Great ways on metacognition. The book could have been expanded a little bit more with for example, how to improve metacognition or some examples of learners and how they use techniques. Testimonials from learners would make it easy for learners to insert themselves into the context and believe more in the process.

As a self-learner, I was intrigued by this book. It’s well organized, has concrete “shovel-ready” tips, and even has pertinent app suggestions. It covers everything from the Pomodoro technique to deep learning. I’ve been a fan of works like this (think Cal Newport, etc). And this one does not disappoint.