Learn the Smart Way by Applying the Science of Learning

Start your journey by first reading “Learn the Smart Way by Applying the Science of Learning.”  This brief introduction to how to create learning that “sticks” will be useful every time you need to learn new information.

Learn the Smart Way by Applying the Science of Learning

True/False Questions

Start every chapter by answering the True/False Questions.  The ideas behind starting this way are to (a) provide an overview of the content in each chapter; (b) give you a sense of how well you already know the information to be presented and what you need to know; and (c) let you see how much you learned after studying each chapter by answering the same questions a second time.

True/False Questions

Crossword Puzzles and Flash Cards

Every chapter has a list of terms—many of which will be new to you or perhaps used in a specific way that is dissimilar to the way you used these terms before. These terms are important because correct use of them will convey how well you learned the materials.

Crossword Puzzles and Flash Cards

Active Learning Questions and Exercises

The best way to learn the skills of critical thinking is to practice them using a wide variety of concepts—by that we mean when you read the newspaper, study for your history test, decide how to vote, decipher complex information, and well—for just about everything everywhere. We hope you find these fun to complete and, some of the time, challenging.

Active Learning Questions and Exercises

Thoughtful Questions

These questions are (mostly) open-ended and many do not have a single correct answer—just like life. Please work thoughtfully on these questions.

Thoughtful Questions

Be sure to discuss interesting and puzzling ideas with others in your life. Another good way to be a good learner is to become a good teacher--both roles require a deep understanding of the relevant issues and clarity about the concepts. Although we cannot promise that regular use of this companion website will result in "brains of steel," it can make you a better thinker. Enjoy!