​"The ABCs of How We Learn: 26 Scientifically Proven Approaches, How They Work, and When to Use Them" by Daniel L. Schwartz, Jessica M. Tsang, and Kristen P. Blair is a comprehensive guide that delves into 26 distinct learning strategies, each corresponding to a letter of the alphabet. Drawing from extensive research in cognitive science, psychology, and educational theory, the authors present these approaches in an accessible manner, making the book a valuable resource for educators, parents, and learners alike.

​

A is for Analogy: Analogies facilitate understanding by connecting new information to familiar concepts. For instance, comparing the structure of an atom to a solar system helps students grasp complex ideas by relating them to known models.​

B is for Belonging: A sense of belonging enhances motivation and engagement. Creating inclusive classroom environments where students feel valued can significantly boost their learning outcomes.​

C is for Contrasting Cases: Presenting contrasting examples aids in distinguishing critical features of a concept. For example, comparing different problem-solving methods can deepen understanding and promote flexible thinking.​

D is for Deliberate Practice: Focused practice targeting specific skills leads to mastery. This involves setting clear goals, receiving feedback, and continually challenging oneself beyond current abilities.​

E is for Elaboration: Encouraging students to explain and expand on new information fosters deeper processing and better retention. Techniques like summarizing or teaching the material to others exemplify elaboration.​

F is for Feedback: Timely and specific feedback guides learners toward improvement. Effective feedback highlights strengths, addresses areas for growth, and provides actionable steps for enhancement.​

G is for Generation: Having learners generate answers or solutions before instruction can enhance memory and understanding. This "desirable difficulty" strengthens learning by making the retrieval process more robust.​

H is for Hands-On: Engaging in hands-on activities allows learners to experience concepts directly, making abstract ideas more concrete. For example, conducting experiments can solidify scientific principles.​

I is for Imaginative Play: Imaginative play fosters creativity and cognitive flexibility. It allows learners to explore scenarios, roles, and ideas in a low-risk environment, promoting problem-solving skills.​

J is for Just-in-Time Telling: Providing information precisely when learners need it enhances relevance and retention. This approach ensures that instruction is immediately applicable, reinforcing its importance.​

K is for Knowledge: Building a robust knowledge base is essential for advanced learning. Foundational knowledge enables learners to connect new information and think critically about complex subjects.​

L is for Listening and Sharing: Active listening and sharing perspectives enrich the learning experience. Collaborative discussions encourage diverse viewpoints and deeper understanding.​

M is for Making: Creating tangible products, such as models or presentations, reinforces learning by requiring application and synthesis of knowledge. This process solidifies understanding and showcases mastery.​

N is for Norms: Establishing clear norms and expectations guides behavior and creates a conducive learning environment. Consistent routines and standards help students focus on learning objectives.​

O is for Observation: Learning through observation allows individuals to acquire new skills by watching others. This method is foundational in apprenticeships and modeling behaviors.​

P is for Participation: Active participation engages learners and promotes retention. Involvement in discussions, projects, and activities fosters a deeper connection to the material.​

Q is for Question-Driven: Framing learning around compelling questions stimulates curiosity and motivation. This approach encourages inquiry and drives deeper exploration of topics.​

R is for Reward: Appropriate rewards can motivate learners, but it's essential to balance extrinsic and intrinsic motivators to avoid diminishing internal interest.

S is for Self-Explanation: Encouraging learners to explain concepts in their own words enhances comprehension and reveals gaps in understanding.​

T is for Teaching: Teaching others consolidates one's own knowledge and identifies areas needing improvement. This reciprocal process benefits both the teacher and the learner.​

U is for Undoing: Recognizing and correcting misconceptions is vital for accurate learning. This involves unlearning incorrect information and replacing it with correct concepts.​

V is for Visualization: Creating mental or physical visual representations aids in understanding complex information. Techniques like mind mapping or diagramming can clarify relationships between ideas.​

W is for Worked Examples: Studying worked examples provides clear models for problem-solving, helping learners understand processes and apply them to new situations.​

X is for eXcitement: Generating excitement about a subject increases engagement and motivation. Passionate teaching and intriguing content can ignite learners' interest.​

Y is for Yes I Can: Fostering a growth mindset empowers learners to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties, believing in their capacity to improve.​

Z is for Zzzzz... (Sleep): Adequate sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Encouraging proper rest enhances learning efficiency and overall well-being.

​

Throughout the book, each chapter not only defines and explains these strategies but also provides practical applications, potential pitfalls, and illustrative examples. This structured approach allows educators to understand when and how to implement each strategy effectively.​

For instance, in the chapter on "Just-in-Time Telling," the authors caution against providing solutions before learners have attempted problem-solving on their own, as premature instruction can hinder the development of critical thinking skills.

Original Book

An Alphabet of Research on Teaching and Learning The ABCs of How We Learn: 26 Scientifically Proven Approaches, How They Work, and When to Use Them by Daniel Schwarz, Jessica Tsang, and Kristen Blair (W.W. Norton,2016

------------------------------

Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com