Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe
“Learn Like a Pro” by Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe offers practical techniques for effective learning. This book is a must-read for students and lifelong learners who want to improve focus, beat procrastination, and retain more information. Oakley and Schewe draw from science-based research to provide actionable methods that can help anyone enhance their learning ability.
Who May Benefit from the Book
- Students who struggle with focus and procrastination
- Professionals seeking to retain knowledge effectively
- Educators who want new ways to engage students
- Lifelong learners aiming to master new skills quickly
- Individuals who feel overwhelmed by learning demands
Top 3 Key Insights
- Master the Pomodoro Technique: Use timed intervals to maintain focus and beat procrastination.
- Alternate Between Focused and Diffuse Modes: Maximize learning by shifting between intense focus and relaxed thinking.
- Employ Active Recall and Spaced Repetition: Strengthen long-term memory by retrieving information over time.
7 More Lessons and Takeaways
- Chunk Information: Organize material into chunks for better understanding and retention.
- Use Mnemonics and Metaphors: These techniques simplify complex information, making it easier to recall.
- Develop Intuition with Deliberate Practice: Focus on challenging problems to deepen understanding.
- Remove Distractions to Boost Self-Discipline: Create an environment that supports focus and learning.
- Find Personal Meaning in Learning: Motivation increases when you relate studies to personal interests.
- Preview and Annotate for Active Reading: Skim content before diving in, then take notes to retain main points.
- Use Past Exams for Test Prep: Practicing with similar questions reinforces knowledge and boosts confidence.
The Book in 1 Sentence
Learn practical, science-backed techniques to improve focus, memory, and motivation for mastering new skills.
The Book Summary in 1 Minute
“Learn Like a Pro” introduces actionable strategies to improve how you learn and retain information. Oakley and Schewe focus on techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, active recall, and spaced repetition. The authors explain how shifting between focused and diffuse thinking modes aids learning, and they advocate using mnemonics, chunking, and annotation to enhance memory. This book empowers readers to develop better study habits, motivation, and self-discipline, ultimately improving productivity and knowledge retention.
The Book Summary in 10 Minutes
Master the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a powerful tool to combat procrastination and increase focus. This method involves setting a 25-minute timer to work intensely on a task, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle until the task is complete. Removing distractions like phones or open tabs can make this technique even more effective.
Alternate Between Focused and Diffuse Modes
The brain learns best when alternating between two modes: focused and diffuse. The focused mode helps with deep concentration, ideal for solving specific problems. The diffuse mode, activated during relaxation or light tasks, allows the brain to form new connections. Alternating between these modes strengthens learning and fosters creativity.
| Focused Mode Activities | Diffuse Mode Activities |
|---|---|
| Solving math problems | Taking a walk |
| Memorizing vocabulary | Light exercise |
| Analyzing concepts | Meditation |
Practice Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
Active recall strengthens memory by retrieving information without relying on notes or textbooks. It pairs well with spaced repetition, where material is reviewed over time to ensure long-term retention. Reviewing knowledge at increasing intervals (like 1 day, 1 week, then 1 month) maximizes memory retention.
Boost Working Memory through Chunking
Working memory has a limited capacity. Organizing information into chunks helps manage more complex material. Breaking information into meaningful groups or patterns allows learners to process and retain data more easily.
Create Mnemonics and Metaphors
Mnemonics are memory aids that use acronyms, visualization, or familiar concepts to simplify difficult information. For example, using “ROY G. BIV” to remember rainbow colors. Similarly, metaphors bridge complex ideas with relatable images, deepening understanding and recall.
Mnemonic Examples
- Acronyms: Simplify information with initial letters.
- Visualization: Use vivid imagery to recall details.
- Memory Palace: Associate information with specific locations.
Develop Problem-Solving Intuition with Deliberate Practice
Deliberate practice, focusing on challenging concepts, builds intuition over time. Practice should involve tasks slightly beyond your comfort zone, allowing patterns and techniques to become second nature.
Cultivate Self-Discipline by Removing Distractions
Self-discipline is essential for success, and removing distractions aids focus. Turn off notifications, create a dedicated study space, and prepare study materials in advance. Developing positive habits, like starting each session with a quick review, also builds self-discipline.
Increase Motivation by Setting SMART Goals
Motivation comes from connecting studies with personal goals. Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) gives clear direction and boosts engagement. Breaking larger goals into smaller tasks provides a sense of progress and mastery, both key to sustained motivation.
Effective Reading Through Previewing and Annotating
Previewing helps build a mental framework for new material, making it easier to retain. Skimming the main headings, summaries, or learning objectives allows a quick grasp of what to expect. Annotation during reading, like adding personal notes or highlighting key points, reinforces active engagement with the material.
| Previewing Techniques | Annotation Tips |
|---|---|
| Skim headings | Write brief comments |
| Read summaries | Highlight key points |
| Check images or graphs | Add questions for clarity |
Excel in Exams with Strategic Preparation
To perform well on exams, practice with questions similar to those expected on test day. Reviewing past tests, creating self-quizzes, or studying from course objectives improves confidence and knowledge retention.
About the Authors
Barbara Oakley
Barbara Oakley, PhD, has an eclectic background in engineering and adventure. She earned her doctorate in systems engineering and has served in the U.S. Army, worked on Soviet fishing boats, and spent time in Antarctica. Currently, she is an associate professor of engineering at Oakland University. Oakley’s varied experiences enrich her insights into learning and education.
Olav Schewe
Olav Schewe is a learning strategist and author. He is known for exploring techniques that make learning more accessible to students and professionals. Schewe’s work focuses on practical approaches to improve memory, focus, and study efficiency, making him a respected figure in educational psychology.
How to Get the Best of the Book
Apply one technique at a time to your study routine. Start with one, such as active recall, and practice it daily. Gradually incorporate more strategies. This approach ensures a smoother transition and better integration of each method.
Conclusion
“Learn Like a Pro” provides science-based tools for mastering new knowledge. Oakley and Schewe’s methods enhance focus, memory, and motivation, making learning easier and more effective. Whether you’re a student or professional, this book offers strategies to improve your study habits and learning capacity.