Learning that Sticks: What Students (and Teachers) Should Know
I’m challenging myself in 2026 to revisit (and read some new) books that I genuinely believe can help students (or anyone) thrive. About once a month, I’ll be sharing an announcement in my online classes highlighting a few key takeaways from a book that’s worth the read (and if you just want to read my quick notes instead- that works, too!).
My announcement to students will look, more or less, the same as my blog posts here. If you’re an instructor, feel free to completely copy and paste the highlights I share (below) and send the information to your students, as well- I’m happy to share what I learn here!
This month’s book is Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, which focuses on how learning actually works (and why many common study habits don’t work as well as we think).
Fun fact, a years ago I almost started a book club for college instructors. It didn’t end up panning out, but this was going to be the first book we read. It’s kind of satisfying to finally share some of the ideas, even if this isn’t quite a book club!
Anyway, here are a few key ideas from the book that anyone can start using right away for more effective learning:
1. Learning that feels harder usually sticks better.
When studying feels uncomfortable or slow, that’s often a sign your brain is working. For example, instead of rereading notes, try explaining a concept out loud from memory—even if it feels messy at first.
2. Retrieving information beats reviewing it.
Trying to recall information strengthens memory more than simply re-exposing yourself to it. A practical way to do this is to quiz yourself or write down what you remember before checking your notes. For instance, even though I took speech classes as a student, I didn’t master it until I had to start teaching it as a TA- and teaching students made learning the concepts feel almost effortless.
3. Spacing study over time beats cramming. Meaning: take your time!
Learning lasts longer when practice is spread out rather than packed into one long session. Even short study sessions over several days will help you retain information better than one late-night cram. I’ll admit, I’ve started noticing this when reading nonfiction books, too. I typically read entire books very quickly over school breaks (long weekends, winter break, etc.), but lately I’ve been reading just two chapters on Tuesdays and Fridays when I have 20 spare minutes. It can be frustrating to not read more, but I end up savoring it more and remembering a surprising amount of information.
4. Mixing related topics improves understanding.
Studying similar ideas together (instead of one at a time) helps you see differences and apply knowledge more flexibly. For example, mix different types of practice problems instead of doing all of one kind in a row. Something similar (not exactly the same, but similar) that I do when learning a topic or reading a book is to apply what I’m reading to a situation currently going on in my life. For instance, I’ve started reading The 12 Week Year, and to help remember the information, as I read I’m applying the concepts from the book to a home organizing project I’m working on that should take about 12 weeks. Works like a charm.
I hope you all found these key takeaways helpful!
I’ll continue sharing ideas like these throughout the year, and my hope is that you’ll find at least one strategy or insight each month that makes life feel more manageable—and maybe even a little less stressful.
Happy learning!