Accelerated Learning January 2, 2008 12 out of 12 found this review helpful
I was skeptical about this book when I received it, my brain yelled waste of money and time (properly due to its ridiculous subtitle). This nagging thought stayed with me through the first few pages where the author raved on and on how much my life would improve due to his little book. But I persisted and alas I cannot find words to express how happy I am about this choice.
The author shows you how to learn any subject so it sticks, without the classical emphasis on repetition. Here for the fist time was I explained how to positively control and use the thoughts that hurl though my head when I read something. How to keep up focus when the text is just plain boring and keep your head clear when you are absolutely lost in a hard subject.
Not a simple feat and I am baffled as to why one can go though almost 20 years of public school, high school, college and university without ever being thought how to learn efficiently.
I often get remarks from my colleagues about how I master my field, and just how smart I must be, but all I can ever tell them is that I am as stupid (or gifted) as the rest of you. The only difference is that when I now open a book, I do it with a purpose, with a plan. I am going to rule this subject and master it completely.
Since reading this book I have begun telling everyone about it (to the degree where I even thought about mailing a copy to the ministry of education) - it really is that good. So If you want to go into the exam room with that extra zing of self consciousness, knowing that you cannot fail, that the best grade is marked for you, then read this book.
My BEST Books for College Students... November 4, 2007 6 out of 7 found this review helpful
This certainly ranks up there. My other choices for 2007, hands down:
1) How To Ace Your Way Through College & Still Have a Life 2) The MLA Handbook 3) Fiske Guide to Colleges
Dr. Vernon M Cambridge, MA
Revolutionized my means of study... November 1, 2007 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I read the book from cover to cover and even tabbed pertinent pages. The method instructed within the book is feasible and effective. I read this in college and I will recommend it to any young student I know, because it's never too early or late to learn how to study properly. Make your study time worth your time... totally recommended.
Great book still use what I learned 13 years later October 18, 2007 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I used this book in college. It was the most helpful book I had on doing well in college.
The things I still use today and use when I teach is the idea of "Pro Questions."
I impressed many of my profs in college 13 years ago with this trick and could come up with questions that my profs never thought of. Made me look like a real thinker.
Also you really do learn the subject much deeper then just by forcing subjects in your memory to pass the class.
I can honestly say that my retention rate even 13 years after college is still not to bad.
The down side to this book is that it is work. It will take more time but you will learn and understand more but as you develop the skills from this book you will learn quicker and easier because you will be building a stronger base.
I still have this book and an English reference book from college.
I'm saving it for my daughter.
You are your own best teacher! September 10, 2007 13 out of 13 found this review helpful
The main point of this amazing book is that you will teach yourself best, not an instructor in high school or college, a tutor, your mom, your boss, your spouse, your best friend, but the person who knows when you get tired, when you are hungry, when you are cranky--yourself! That can be a very important lesson. You are in control of what you learn. Granted you are going to need other people to show you and talk you through learning, but teaching yourself is empowering.
The other smart student principles and key lists are also very thought provoking and essentially highlight how school at all levels is a game. But it is a game worth playing.
I think a lot of the reviewers are forgetting that Mr. Robinson has mentioned that What Smart Students Know is to use what works best for them. He demonstrates a note-taking method that works for him, but if it doesn't work for you throw it out and teach yourself one that works. My advice would be that each situation (class, job etc.) might cause you to modify your note-taking. For example, for some of my classes I would take notes in a paper notebook and then type them before each test and have about 6 pages to review. For other classes there would be no need to type my notes because I would be typing a review sheet. For other classes such as my Italian language class I NEVER took notes.
One of the many great morals of this book is find out what works for you and use it. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing or about what the "experts" say. Be your own expert. There is a very popular note-taking method "Cambridge" by name which involves making two columns and filling in matching information from class notes and text books. This method never worked for me no matter how many times I tried it. So what--throw it out. Use what works.
I found what works for me and stopped worrying about what all the experts said because Adam Robinson's book game me the courage to play the Smart Student game. I was always angry that school seemed to focus on everything but learning, which is what I wanted to do most. But I learned how to play so that I could maximize my learning and my grades! I graduated magna cum laude, a member of 4 honor societies (including Phi Beta Kappa), and won the award for most outstanding undergraduate in the History Department at my University.
Free your mind; read What Smart Students Know. Keep in mind you decide what is hogwash and what is inspired. Then use it and be happy.
All rights reserved. Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com Information about prices, products, services and merchants is provided by third parties and is for informational purposes only. Caribbean Travel Books does not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.
