Table of Contents

Preface 1. Introduction 1. The science of learning is flexible (and so is this book) 2. Science literacy: Why should you trust the advice in this book? 2. Getting ready to learn 3. Assigned work and studying are not the same, and you need to do both! 4. Your brain is part of your body: Preparing your mind for learning 5. The myth of multitasking: Preparing your environment for learning 6. How do I know what I (don’t) know? 7. Planning your study sessions is important 3. Study strategies that work 8. Bring to mind what you can remember 9. Find multiple concrete examples 10. Use visuals and words to help you understand 11. Describe and explain how things work 12. Jumble it all up 13. Use effective note-taking strategies 14. Avoid strategies that don’t work 15. Conclusion: Believe in yourself Glossary

About the Author

Megan Sumeracki (@DrSumeracki) earned her Ph.D. at Purdue University and is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Rhode Island College. She is one of the original co-founders of The Learning Scientists and is a co-author of the award-winning book Understanding How We Learn: A Visual Guide.

Cynthia Nebel (@PsyDocCindy) earned her Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis and is a Senior Lecturer in the Leadership and Learning in Organizations Ed.D. program at Vanderbilt University where she both teaches the science of learning and leads doctoral students through their capstone research.

Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel (@pimpmymemory) earned her Ph.D. at the University of Mannheim and is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Glasgow. She is dedicated to teaching, science communication, and outreach. She founded the Teaching Innovation & Learning Enhancement (TILE) network that spans across different disciplines and educational sectors.

Althea Need Kaminske (@DrSilverFox) earned her Ph.D. at Purdue University and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery and the Senior Director of Student Academic Support and Achievement at Indiana University School of Medicine. She is a co-author of the book Five Teaching and Learning Myths – Debunked.

Karina Tiller (@by__karina), our illustrator, earned her BFA in Graphic Design at Webster University and now works as a Creative Director in the modern furniture industry by day and an illustration artist by night. She has given numerous lectures and talks, and her work has been published in both print and digital editorial.

Reviews

"The Learning Scientists have done it again! In their new book Ace That Test they seamlessly meld scientific research with practical application in an easily accessible manner certain to help students gain agency over their learning. Excellent book."Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, The Science of Learning Group, Melbourne, Australia"Ace That Test is the ‘must read’ handbook for students providing current and efficient learning and study habits. Students world-wide deserve the opportunity to learn from this book and employ the evidenced-based practical tips to improve their academic performance and lifelong learning."Deanne Clark, Brisbane, Australia"The Learning Scientists have long been my go-to source for accurate, lively, and useful advice about teaching and learning. In this excellent book, all students have a practical, research-based resource explaining how best (and how not!) to study, remember, and learn." Andrew Watson, author of Learning Begins and The Goldilocks Map"Ace That Test delivers multiple evidence-based approaches to learning, including practical examples, and it is engaging and easy to comprehend. The step-by-step approaches, with just the right amount of humor and anecdotes, make this a fantastic resource, encouraging real learning, for students and educators alike."James Barraclough, Director of Undergraduate Initiatives, Washburn University, USA