Our book review series, Chess Books Recaptured, is back to discuss a “non-chess” book for the first time. However, the information in this book is vital for any student of the game. Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning is an extremely insightful encapsulation of best practices for learning and retaining information. The book is written by Peter C. Brown, Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel, and was the culmination of 10+ years of research. Joining me to discuss the book is emergency room physician and dedicated chess amateur Dr. Nick Vasquez. Nick has been blogging about how Make it Stick changed his thinking about learning and chess study, and we thought it was worth expanding the blog posts into a conversation. Key precepts of the book include the importance of mixing study themes, spacing out your study, testing your knowledge frequently, and emphasizing understanding and contextualization of the study material. Timestamps of the topics discussed are below.
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Interviews Mentioned:
Episode 286 Adult Improver Series Interview with Dr. Nick Vasquez
Episode 349 with Dr. Anique de Bruin
Nick’s blog posts about Make it Stick:
Book Review- https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/make-it-stick
Chess Implications: https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/making-it-stick
0:02- How did Make it Stick change Nick’s thinking about learning and studying chess?
0:09- What are the implications for opening learning of Make it Stick
Mentioned: Make it Stick website
21:00- What is the difference between varied practice and interleaving?
24:30- How did the book alter Nick’s training plan?
Mentioned: The Chess Steps, Practical Chess Exercises, GM Wojciech Moranda’s Books, GM Winning Chess Exercises for Kids, Anki
29:00- When trying to ingrain something into one’s memory are you better off studying things over decreasing time intervals or increasing time intervals?
33:00- More chess study conclusions
Mentioned: FM Nate Solon’s How to Learn an Opening in 2023
40:00- Is is true that “there is no such as a learning style?”
45:00- Final thoughts and favorite quotes and studies cited.
50:00- What is a “memory palace?
Mentioned; Moonwalking with Einstein
57:00- Thanks to Dr. Vasquez for rejoining me! Be sure to sub to his blog here:
https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/
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