Review:
Robert Bjork Making Things Harder On Yourself (and How This Helps You Learn)
overall review score: 4.5
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score is between 0 and 5
Robert Bjork's concept 'Making Things Harder on Yourself (and How This Helps You Learn)' explores the idea that introducing desirable difficulty during the learning process can enhance long-term retention and mastery. Drawing from cognitive psychology research, especially Bjork's work on desirable difficulties, it emphasizes strategies like testing, spacing, and challenging oneself to improve learning effectiveness rather than merely aiming for ease or immediate success.
Key Features
- Emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself during learning to promote durability of knowledge
- Includes techniques such as spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and variability in study methods
- Based on cognitive psychology principles related to desirable difficulties
- Encourages embracing discomfort and failure as part of effective learning
- Provides practical advice for students, educators, and self-learners
Pros
- Promotes effective and enduring learning strategies
- Backed by robust scientific research in cognitive psychology
- Encourages resilience and growth mindset among learners
- Provides actionable techniques that can be easily implemented
- Helps learners understand the value of effort and difficulty in mastery
Cons
- May initially feel frustrating or discouraging for some learners
- Requires deliberate effort and discipline to apply consistently
- Not always suitable for all types of learning or for those seeking quick results