Summary of "Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning - A Visual Summary"

Summary of Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning – A Visual Summary

This video, presented by Doug Neil from Verbal to Visual, offers a visual and practical summary of key principles from the book Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning. The focus is on scientifically-backed strategies that enhance long-term learning and retention, with reflections on how these apply to sketch noting and teaching.

Main Ideas and Concepts

The core message is that successful learning hinges on three interrelated principles, illustrated by Doug Neil using a Venn diagram. The intersection of these principles maximizes the likelihood that learned material will “stick”:

Retrieval, Not Review
- Learning is more effective when you actively retrieve information from memory rather than passively reviewing notes or highlights.
- Retrieval strengthens memory by forcing the brain to work harder to recall information.
- Techniques to promote retrieval include:
  - Quizzes or self-testing (multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, open-ended questions).
  - Reflective journaling or elaboration, connecting new knowledge to personal experiences.
  - Flashcards with questions/prompts on one side and answers on the other.
- Passive review often creates a false sense of confidence without strengthening recall ability.
Spaced Practice, Not Cramming
- Learning sessions should be spaced out over time rather than massed in a single session.
- Spacing allows some forgetting, which makes retrieval effortful and thus more effective.
- The Leitner system is described as an efficient way to space study:
  - Use multiple “boxes” to sort flashcards by how well you know them.
  - Review new or difficult cards daily.
  - Move cards you know well to weekly, then monthly, then quarterly review.
  - If a card is forgotten, move it back to daily review.
- This system optimizes study time and strengthens long-term retention.
Varied Practice, Not Monotonous
- Mixing up practice conditions improves learning and transferability of skills.
- Examples:
  - Baseball batting practice: Instead of only hitting curveballs repeatedly, vary pitches to develop discrimination skills (recognizing pitch types quickly).
  - Birdwatching: Study multiple species intermingled rather than one species at a time to better recognize differences.
  - Cornhole tossing: Practicing from slightly different distances (in front of and behind the target distance) leads to better accuracy than practicing only at the target distance.
- Variation prevents the brain from becoming too accustomed to predictable patterns and better simulates real-world conditions.

Application to Sketch Noting

Practice drawing elements from memory rather than copying, to enhance retrieval.
Mix categories of drawings (people, objects, diagrams) during practice to introduce variation.
Creating visual summaries (like sketch notes) facilitates easier retrieval of complex information compared to bullet lists.
Revisiting these visual artifacts through spaced retrieval strengthens memory and helps apply ideas in real-life contexts.
Using sketch noting as a learning tool encourages deeper engagement and better retention of material from books, podcasts, or conferences.

Methodology / Instructional Points

For Retrieval Practice:
- Use quizzes and self-testing regularly.
- Engage in reflective journaling to elaborate on new knowledge.
- Employ flashcards for quick retrieval drills.
For Spaced Practice:
- Implement the Leitner system or a similar spaced repetition schedule.
- Adjust frequency of review based on mastery.
- Avoid daily repetition of well-known material.
For Varied Practice:
- Change practice conditions and contexts.
- Include different types of problems or skills within practice sessions.
- Simulate real-world variability to improve discrimination and adaptability.
For Sketch Noting Development:
- Draw from memory rather than direct copying.
- Practice mixed categories of visuals.
- Regularly revisit and mentally reconstruct visual summaries.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Doug Neil – Presenter and creator of Verbal to Visual, summarizing and reflecting on the book.
Authors of Make It Stick – The original source of the learning science principles discussed (though not directly quoted).
Leitner System Creator – Referenced for spaced repetition methodology (first name not recalled).
Indirect references to other books (e.g., Work by Tara McMullan, The Psychology of Money) used as examples for applying retrieval practice.

This visual summary offers a clear, practical framework for improving learning effectiveness by focusing on retrieval, spacing, and variation, and demonstrates how these principles can be applied to both intellectual and physical skills, including sketch noting.