People sometimes feel like they should learn how to speed read and speed reading is touted as this incredible time saving device. It's sadly, you're limited by eye movements in part, but then you're also limited by attention and other processes. A few years ago, there was a little bit of excitement because someone came up with this technique that would get around eye movement. But it turned out you can do that in short bursts for, you know, a few sentences or a paragraph, but then the wheels come off pretty quickly.
As adults, we need to learn new things all the time.
Yet many of us are relying on the same outdated methods we used as adolescents to do it. Thinks like relentless highlighting and endless rereading.
If so, it may be time to take advantage of the latest research on learning.
That’s where Daniel Willingham comes in. In this interview, we discuss his latest book, Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy. Dan explains when our brains may be working against us. He also shares specific strategies for overriding our brains, so we can convert information into knowledge and understanding.
In a world where learning is more important than ever – for our lives and careers – Dan’s book is just the resource we need.
Episode Links
You’ve Been Studying All Wrong. This Professor Can Help You Outsmart Your Brain
Proof Points: One Expert on What Students Do Wrong
One Thing Teachers Can Do to Help Students Change Their Habits
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
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