Perpetual Chess Podcast

Book Recap #35- Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning- What should chess players know about how to learn and retain information? (with Dr. Nick Vasquez)

Feb 2, 2024

Dr. Nick Vasquez, expert in learning and retaining information, joins the Perpetual Chess Podcast to discuss 'Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning'. They talk about studying chess using strategies like interleaving and varied practice. They also discuss resources for chess players at different skill levels, the power of growth mindset and memory techniques, and wrap up with future plans for the podcast.

01:02:58

Episode guests

Nick Vasquez

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Quick takeaways

Active learning is essential for successful retention of information, emphasizing the importance of self-testing and generating personal understanding.

Embracing difficulties and creating desirable difficulty in the learning process enhances retention and problem-solving skills.

Diverse learning methods and personalization are key to effective learning, suggesting the need for varied resources and techniques in chess study.

Deep dives

The importance of active learning for effective studying

The podcast episode discusses the misconception around learning and highlights the importance of active learning over passive learning. It explains that simply reading and highlighting information is not enough, and instead, learners should focus on strategies such as self-testing and generating their own understanding of the material. This insight can be applied to chess by emphasizing the need to go beyond rote memorization in openings and tactics, and instead, actively engage with the material and create personal connections and narratives.

The Importance of Storytelling in Memory and Chess

00:39

Interleaving and Variable Practice in Learning

01:33

Make it Personal and Make it Yours

01:20

Maximizing Time and Integration for Chess Improvement

00:55

Introduction

3min

Learning and Retaining Information in Chess

21min

Hiring Partner and Auto Parts Sponsorship

2min

Exploring Interleaving and Varied Practice for Successful Learning

4min

Resources for Chess Players at Various Skill Levels

23min

The Power of Growth Mindset and Memory Techniques

8min

Wrapping Up the Conversation and Looking Ahead

2min

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.

Thanks to our presenting chess education sponsors, Chessable.com!

Be sure to check out their new courses including IM Christof Sielecki’s new course, and if you use this link to sign up for Chessable Pro, and/or make a Chessable purchase, it will help support Perpetual Chess.

https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro

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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https://www.patreon.com/perpetualchess

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