About the Book
While preserving the elements that have made the previous two editions so successful--such as chapters on sleep, exercise, memory and mindset--this third edition introduces students to wholly new aspects of brain function and how they impact learning; and furthermore, addresses the challenges of learning online.
By introducing new concepts, strategies, and applications related to learning and memory that are based on current findings in cognitive, social, and motivational psychology, this text offers a richer and more complete picture of how brain science illuminates how we learn. Students assigned this book will be equipped to design effective learning plans, employ new strategies, recognize learning traps, discover ways to work effectively in groups, improve recall, and realize better academic performance through test-taking and paper-writing strategies.
This new edition also addresses the concerns of all students--particularly those unfamiliar with the college setting and its expectations and assumptions--and offers strategies for success. In keeping with the preceding editions, this book introduces students to concepts, techniques, strategies, tips, and ideas to help them be academically stronger students, advance faster in their studies, and demonstrate what they have learned more effectively--in short, how anyone can learn to be a better learner by learning how to learn in harmony with their brain.
The book remains compact and student-friendly, offers examples of practice, and includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
An instructor's manual is available for faculty.
About the Author :
Todd D. Zakrajsek, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at UNC - Chapel Hill and President of the International Teaching Learning Cooperative (ITLC).
Todd was a tenured associate professor of psychology and built faculty development efforts at three universities before joining UNC. At UNC he is an Associate Director of the Faculty Development Fellowship within the School of Medicine. Through his work with the ITLC, Todd directs five Lilly Conferences on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning and also consults with a wide variety of campuses on topics related to teaching/learning, leadership, and scholarly activity.
Todd has served on many educationally related boards and work groups, including The Journal of Excellence in College Teaching, International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, College Teaching, and Education in the Health Professions.
He has consulted with organizations such as The American Council on Education (ACE), Lenovo Computer, Microsoft, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and delivered keynote addresses and campus workshops at over 300 conferences and university campuses in 49 states and 12 countries.
Todd publishes on topics pertaining to student learning, effective teaching, leadership, scholarly activity, and assessment. Todd's recently co-authored books include Teaching for Learning (2nd Ed)(2021); Advancing Online Teaching (2021); The New Science of Learning (2nd Ed) (2019); and Dynamic Lecturing (2017). Check out Todd's two TEDx talks here. You can follow and connect with him on Twitter @toddzakrajsek and LinkedIn.
Dr. John N. Gardner is an undergraduate student success thought leader and a social justice advocate. He is Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the non-profit, the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, co-founded by him and his wife, Betsy O. Barefoot, in 1999. John is also Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Senior Fellow, University of South Carolina at Columbia. He was also the Founding Executive Director of both the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, and the University 101 Programs. He also served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the University's five Regional Campuses.
Subscribe to the Office Hours with John Gardner: Innovation in Higher Education podcast.
Review :
"A must-read for our entering students...a distillation of the longstanding science on learning andthe brain into easy-to-follow explanations and compelling real-life examples. This book encapsulates proven components of successful and enduring learning, offering numerous practical strategies that students can begin to use immediately. Kudos to the author for situating this latest edition in ourcurrent social landscape. I am constantly searching for tools to strengthen our students' learning retention. This is a grand slam!"--Angela P. Hegamin, Assistant Dean of Academic Support, College of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences
"Dr. Zakrajsek's systematic, approachable, and humorous discussion of 'the Research' makes this book both accessible and meaningful for any learner in higher education - and faculty too! He provides condensed, clear theory as well as pathways of practice for improving our learning through thought and deed. Any reader will come away with specific applications which will in turn provide profound improvements to their learning. This is a must-read for every student, regardless of previous academic success!"--Ian Wolf, Instructor of English, Vance-Granville Community College
"This book masterfully weaves together leading brain research and practical examples to show students 'how to learn'. It addresses common pitfalls that students encounter in their learning journey, and provides a clear roadmap of research-based strategies that can enhance comprehension, long-term retention, and the overall learning experience (such as spaced practice, metacognitive strategies, and yes, sleep). This book is a must-read for students who want the tools to succeed in college and beyond!"--Tolulope (Tolu) Noah, Instructional Learning Spaces Coordinator, California State University, Long Beach
"I have used prior editions of The New Science of Learning in my courses for several years with much success! The third edition offers funny and engaging stories from Todd's college experiences that will draw students into the content. Every chapter is loaded with practical and detailed advice to students on applying the science of learning for college success. The mysteries of learning and memory are unlocked for students in a highly accessible and fun book!"--Kathy Nabours, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Riverside City College
"An instant classic when first published in 2013, this updated third edition of The New Science of Learning should be required reading for every college student. It is an invaluable resource for educators searching for concrete, evidence-based ways to help students build academic skills, agency, and self-efficacy. It is a truly empowering book for students and instructors alike."--Jessamyn Neuhaus, Director, SUNY Plattsburgh Center for Teaching Excellence, author of Geeky Pedagogy: A Guide for Intellectuals, Introverts, and Nerds Who Want to be Effective Teachers
