Suppose you’re learning a skill like algebra, programming or drawing. Consider two different strategies for studying: Examples first. Before you try anything on your own, study examples of how other people solve similar problems. Problems first. Before looking at any examples, try to solve the problem independently. If you fail or don’t get very far, […]

Pedigree is an eye-opening book. Author and sociologist Lauren Rivera looks into the recruitment practices in elite law, banking, and consulting firms. Rivera’s unsettling portrait provides much ammunition for those who would argue that meritocracy is a myth. In particular, Rivera finds: Alma mater is all-important. Elite firms draw from “core” and “target” schools. Students […]

About a year ago, I started a research project focused on the transfer of learning. Given the often disappointing evidence for learning transfer between the classroom and the real world, I was eager to dig into the research on apprenticeships and learning by doing. But the research turned out to be more complicated (and interesting!) […]

Next week, I’m opening a new session of my popular course, Rapid Learner. Registration will begin on Monday, April 25th and closes on Friday, April 29th. Below is a lesson drawn from the material I teach in Rapid Learner. If you find it helpful, be sure to check out the full course. The foundation for […]