russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

How We Learn

summary ofHow We LearnBook by Benedict Carey

14 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • The benefits of distractions
  • Why forgetting isn’t a failure
  • How good habits influence learning
  • Ways to make learning easier

first KEY POINT

Learning is a conscious process that requires patience

Do you have difficulties with studying and learning new things? If yes, have you ever considered that you may have a problem with learning because you're doing it incorrectly? Learning rarely comes easy, no matter what some might say, but you’re about to encounter exciting advice to help you get the most out of this process. Learning is more than just reading and studying; knowing the difference will change your life.The mistake many people make is that they try to read or learn under pressure. Learning under undue stress will only force you to study the things that are not important to what you need to know. One of the keys to effective learning lies in understanding a simple truth: it’s not just about reading; it’s about understanding your reading.The ability to read and understand isn’t a spontaneous activity; you must continuously practice it. When you fail to know what you are learning, you’ll find it difficult to implement your thoughts. The most brilliant minds in the world, like Albert Einstein, Aristotle, Bill Gates, etc., didn’t become successful by skimming or cramming texts. They took their time to understand the concept of learning: reading and understanding.

When and where you learn is as important as how you learn. Your environment influences your learning techniques.

Libraries are always quiet because you learn better when you are not distracted. While some people process information better in the morning, others work better at night. Therefore, finding what works for you and sticking to that routine is essential. Stay tuned and discover new learning techniques and common errors that will make it easy to understand the learning process.

second KEY POINT

The platform for developing information, memories, and experiences

The human memory is still the most crucial component of the body. It's where data is processed and delivered to various areas for different purposes. The brain’s structure is such that multiple regions control other functions. Understanding how our brains work will give us a clearer picture of how we receive, analyze, and produce information, which is intrinsic to learning.The brain consists of three essential components:• The entorhinal cortex is responsible for filtering incoming information.
• The hippocampus is where memory formation begins.
• The neocortex stores conscious memories once they have been flagged as something worth remembering.Cells, which make up memories, collaborate to send out impulses known as neurons. The neurons flash messages when the brain requests an output from a previously stored memory. Subsequently, synapses are neuron flashes happening inside many cells. They work while you try to maintain or recall a memory.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

Despite common belief, to forget doesn’t mean to fail

second KEY POINT

Good habits ensure effective learning

third KEY POINT

Increasing learning accessibility by spacing it out

fourth KEY POINT

Distraction is a valuable tool in learning

fifth KEY POINT

Knowledge is best gained across various fields and different methods

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Benedict Carey is an American journalist, writer, and reporter on medical and science topics for the New York Times.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens about?

How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens, written by Benedict Carey, explores the unexpected ways we absorb information and develop skills. It combines scientific research with practical insights to enhance understanding of effective learning strategies.

What are the key takeaways from How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens?

Key takeaways from How We Learn include the importance of varied learning environments and the necessity of rest for memory consolidation. The book also emphasizes that forgetting can play a crucial role in the learning process, highlighting the benefits of retrieval and spaced repetition.

Is How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens worth reading?

Yes, How We Learn is definitely worth reading if you're interested in improving your learning strategies or understanding cognitive science. Carey's engaging writing style and comprehensive research make it accessible and informative for anyone looking to enhance their educational techniques.

How many pages is How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens, and when was it published?

How We Learn has approximately 304 pages and was published in 2014. This comprehensive length allows for a thorough exploration of the book's key concepts and findings.

What can I expect to gain from reading How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens?

By reading How We Learn, you can expect to gain actionable insights on how to optimize your study habits and improve retention. The book's evidence-based approach offers readers effective techniques for learning that can be applied in academic and professional settings.