12 Jun Book Review of Learn Like a Pro
Review of Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley and Olav Schell
As a mother of four little ones under five, the idea of learning effectively often feels like a world away—like trying to study with a circus in your living room. So, when Learn Like a Pro landed in my lap, I couldn’t resist diving in, hoping for some tips to master the chaotic educational landscape that fills my days. Barbara Oakley and Olav Schell’s book immediately caught my eye, but I couldn’t help chuckling when I read their advice to “find a place to study where distractions are eliminated.” Well, that’s rich! Let’s just say I’m on a first-name basis with diaper changes and snack times.
At its core, Learn Like a Pro promises ways to not just study better but to become better at learning in general. However, the subtitle feels a bit ambitious, almost an oversell of the content it delivers. The authors present scientifically-backed insights into how the brain works, though I’d argue the practical outcomes for everyday life—beyond studying—fall short. Sure, if you’re looking to level up your memorization skills before a big exam, this book is a gem. But achieving fame and fortune? Maybe not so much.
Despite the challenges of my busy life, I found some nuggets of wisdom that resonated. Learning how our brains function in “diffuse mode” was particularly enlightening. It’s the idea that often your best insights come not when you’re intensely focused, but when your mind wanders, perhaps in the shower (a great spot for a mom’s moment of clarity!). Personally, I can relate—maybe that’s when I realized it had been three weeks since my twins had a bath. Neuroscience and motherhood are a funny pair.
The writing style of Oakley and Schell is breezy and engaging, making complex ideas feel accessible. While I appreciated the book’s brevity—ideal for someone like me who has limited reading time—it did leave me wanting more depth on certain techniques. The bibliography hints at a wealth of research backing the authors’ claims, but I wish they had expanded on some of the methods they introduced. For example, the section on setting achievable goals was spot-on, but I felt like it needed more concrete examples to truly stick.
While elevating educational techniques like using flashcards or studying in groups isn’t groundbreaking, it’s refreshing to see them neatly compiled in one place. The added bonus of app recommendations was a delightful surprise—think of them as learning tools that could help navigate the overwhelming multitasking of modern life.
So, who would truly benefit from Learn Like a Pro? If you’re a college student or anyone actively engaged in learning new information—these tips can literally transform how you approach your studies. However, for those of us outside that sphere, while the book is enjoyable, it may not meet your deeper thirst for learning as a continuous journey.
In a nutshell, Learn Like a Pro offers a valuable reminder that learning doesn’t have to be daunting. It may not have been the epic “aha!” I was hunting for, but it served as a gentle nudge to embrace the learning process, however messy it may be. At the end of the day, it’s all about making learning feel accessible, even amidst the joyful chaos of life as a mom. If you’re looking to streamline your study habits or simply spark your passion for learning, this book certainly has the potential to be a helpful companion.
Get your copy and step into the world of effective learning!
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