We have, at the end of past years, summarized what we found to be the best business books of the year (see our list for 2012—we didn’t get to it for 2013). This year, one book stood significantly above the rest: How We Learn: The Surprising Truth about When, Where, and Why it Happens, by Benedict Carey. Josh initially read it for personal reasons—it was recommended by two of his kids’ middle-school teachers.
How We Learn summarizes modern research on effective learning. It repudiates some folk wisdom (for example: always study in the same, quiet place) and provides other very useful insights and techniques. We heartily recommend it whether want to help your children in school or apply the techniques at work.
Here are our key takeaways: