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Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy Hardcover – January 24, 2023

4.4 out of 5 stars 275 ratings

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In this revolutionary, comprehensive, and accessible guide on how the brain learns, discover how to study more efficiently and effectively, shrug away exam stress, and most of all, enjoy learning.

When we study, we tend to focus on the tasks we can most easily control—such as highlighting and rereading—but these practices only give the illusion of mastery. As Dan Willingham, professor of psychology and bestselling author, explains, familiarity is not the same as comprehension.

Perfect for teachers and students of all ages,
Outsmart Your Brain provides real-world practices and the latest research on how to train your brain for better learning. Each chapter provides clear and specific strategies while also explaining why traditional study processes do not work. Grounded in scientifically backed practical advice, this is the ultimate guide to improving grades and better understanding the power of our own brains.
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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Charming and practical…Outsmart Your Brain should be required reading for any college student and for many professionals….Few investments in life will be better repaid than learning how to learn.” -The Wall Street Journal

Three useful books in one, seamlessly integrated and mutually reinforcing--tips and advice to help students learn effectively and navigate the school experience, a review of research findings in cognitive science, and advice to instructors on how to help students make the most of the suggestions.”
-Stephen M. Kosslyn, president and CEO of Active Learning Sciences, Inc.

“Illuminating…Willingham masterfully synthesizes the relevant research for practical application…. [and] lays out his recommendations in admirably clear prose…. the author is both eloquent and encouraging. Highly informative and inspiring: a must-read for students of any age.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“In a sentence, this is the best book I've read on how anyone can learn the tactics of the most successful students. Practical but backed by the latest science,
Outsmart Your Brain is an onramp to the virtuous cycle of interest, confidence, and achievement.”
—Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit

“If left to our own devices, humans will usually study poorly. Luckily, Dan Willingham has identified all the ways we can trick our brain into learning (before it tricks us first). A user's guide to the student's brain.”
—Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author of The Smartest Kids in the World

“The ultimate guidebook for doing well in school, and the perfect gift for any student heading off to college, and also for the high school student who is beginning to care about grades, or—better yet—actual learning.”
—Jonathan Haidt, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind

“Brisk and interesting, this is a wonderful book with a wealth of practical advice for students in “how to” chapters on many topics. I would also recommend the book for teachers and life-long learners — anyone who cares about learning.”
—Henry L. Roediger, III, co-author of author of Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

“Willingham does double duty: he places the power to learn back where it should be, in the hands of students while showing teachers how to harness the most effective systems and techniques for boosting learning. An essential tool for the new school year, every bit as important as that calculator, handful of sharpened pencils, and stack of notebooks.”
—Jessica Lahey, New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure & The Addiction Inoculation

“Forget everything you thought you knew about being a student and read this utterly unforgettable book—the first, last, best, and only scientific guide to learning in the classroom. Filled with smart, simple, and fact-based advice on everything from listening to lectures to taking exams,
Outsmart Your Brain more than earns its A+.”
Daniel Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of Stumbling on Happiness and host of the PBS television series “This Emotional Life”

“What a godsend for a student! For all our pretensions to be educators, we professors never teach these vital skills. At last, Daniel Willingham, one of the world’s experts in the science of learning, explains the keys to mastering the challenges of school. And he does it not just with evidence, but with clarity and charm.”
—Steven Pinker, bestselling author of How the Mind Works and Rationality

About the Author

Dan Willingham received his PhD from Harvard University in cognitive psychology and is now a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia. He is the author of several books, including Outsmart Your Brain and Raising Kids Who Read. A fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science, you can follow him on Twitter @DTWillingham.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 24, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982167173
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982167172
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 275 ratings

About the author

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Daniel T. Willingham
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DANIEL T. WILLINGHAM received his PhD from Harvard University in cognitive psychology and is now a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia. He is the author of several books, including Outsmart Your Brain and the best-selling "Why Don't Students Like School?". A fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science, you can follow him on Twitter @DTWillingham and on TikTok @daniel_willingham

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
275 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's readability positive. The learning value receives mixed feedback, with one customer noting it's particularly useful for freshman seminar courses, while another finds it too basic.

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9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and well-written, with one mentioning it contains excellent content for practical use.

"...I figured it was worth a read. For full reference, it's not a bad book. The title is a bit deceiving...." Read more

"This is a good book. Give it to somebody who is still in high school. It will help them learn how colleges..." Read more

"A great read with practical tips and suggestions to be a more effective student and learner" Read more

"A Must-Read for Educators, Parents, and Anyone Supporting Teens..." Read more

14 customers mention "Learning value"9 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the learning value of the book, with some finding it an excellent tool for freshman seminar courses, while others describe it as a useless collection of the obvious or too basic.

"...It breaks down executive functioning skills and academic strategies in a way that’s incredibly useful for both educators and families...." Read more

"It was a required read for school, but I still enjoyed it." Read more

"...It gives insight to the world of learning and allows for great PLC discussions." Read more

"...Buy this for the high school graduate in your life. It will help them in college...." Read more

Good Book!
5 out of 5 stars
Good Book!
I wish I would have had this book when I was in school. It is very eye opening on how we all learn differently. If you are a parent, teacher or just someone wanting to make self improvements, give this one a try!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    As a former teacher, principal, and superintendent—and now a foster mom to teenagers—I’ve seen firsthand how essential practical study habits and life skills are for student success. This book is one of the most accessible and effective resources I’ve come across. It breaks down executive functioning skills and academic strategies in a way that’s incredibly useful for both educators and families.

    I’ve shared copies with several of my son’s teachers—both general education and special education—to help them better understand how his brain works and where he might need extra support. This book bridges the gap between what students should be able to do and what they may actually be struggling with, offering clear guidance to help them grow.

    Highly recommended for anyone who works with or loves a student who learns differently or just needs help building stronger habits.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    There is something for anyone interested in learning here. I read a review that suggested this book should be read by any new college student. Not a bad idea. I spent a career as an educational psychologist and learned a few new things. Mostly, I learned some writers are really good explaining things so others can understand and apply them.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I suffered from a lot of what he was talking about, anxiety, no family support, low self esteem, not understanding how to study, etc. I had help from 2 years of military service b4 college but still had to pound my way through college and law school. I could have learned a lot more than I did if I had this book then. Oh well.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is a must read for instructional coaches and curriculum directors! It gives insight to the world of learning and allows for great PLC discussions.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Daniel Willingham is the best! Buy this for the high school graduate in your life. It will help them in college. In fact, go ahead and give it to the high school freshman in your life because most of it will help them in high school too.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I discovered this book via the Hidden Brain podcast. I figured it was worth a read. For full reference, it's not a bad book. The title is a bit deceiving.
    You will learn strategies for learning and improving your learning, BUT only in a classroom setting. So if you're a self paced solo learner - you will not get much out of this book .
    If you are a high school or college student, or instructor or teacher - then this book will probably provide excellent content for you to use.
    Otherwise -it has no real connection to the title or podcast episode it was featured in.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    It was a required read for school, but I still enjoyed it.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The book would be useful to someone prepping for tests such as SAT. I thought I was getting something more general about neurology in learning and various styles of learning such as visual or auditory. So I was disappointed.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Tina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really practical book!
    Reviewed in Germany on September 5, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Really practical book!
    The book has some great practical advise you can easily follow.
  • Frédéric Debons
    3.0 out of 5 stars Très bon livre pour des étudiants
    Reviewed in France on August 6, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Un bon livre mais bien moins passionnant que les précédents (pourquoi les enfants n’aiment pas l’école etc). Bourré de conseils pratiques pour les étudiants mais peu pertinent si vous êtes déjà familier des idées de Daniel Willingham.
    Report
  • Rossleighbrisbane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable book for educators and students
    Reviewed in Australia on August 4, 2023
    While much of the information is something that people might already know, sometimes it’s good to be reminded. The book also sets useful strategies clearly and has a section of advice for instructors at the end of each chapter.
  • Mnjth
    3.0 out of 5 stars Content is same but product is different
    Reviewed in India on October 8, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I have purchased the same book over the counter and got this one to gift. I've noticed significant quality differences between the two despite fetching the same price. This might be the way sellers in Amazon make profit. Just a heads-up for fellow bookphiles to be aware of this situation.
  • Phil Yeomans
    5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for all teachers
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2024
    Excellent advice. I will be sharing condensed summaries with my sixth form students and recommending they buy the book as they move on to university.