Today, we are joined by Drs. Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel.
Henry L. Roediger III is one of the world’s foremost experts on human memory and learning. Currently a distinguished professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Roediger has spent his career unlocking the mysteries of how we remember—and forget—what matters most. His pioneering experiments have revealed the surprising power of retrieval practice, the perils of false memories, and the counterintuitive strategies that lead to lasting learning. He is the co-author of the bestselling book Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, which has transformed classrooms and workplaces worldwide. Known both for his experimental rigor and his gift for making science practical, Roediger’s insights help learners and leaders everywhere confidently apply what science now knows about how memory really works.
Mark A. McDaniel is a leading authority on how people learn, age, and remember to act on their intentions. A professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, McDaniel’s research has deepened our understanding of prospective memory, cognitive aging, and the real-world factors that help—or hinder—lasting knowledge. As co-author of Make It Stick, he brings evidence-based, classroom-tested recommendations to students, teachers, and organizations alike. McDaniel is celebrated not only for his breakthrough research, but also for his ability to translate science into actionable strategies—empowering learners to overcome distractions, boost recall, and build habits that stick for a lifetime.
In this conversation, we explore the fundamental building blocks of learning and memory that challenge conventional wisdom about how we acquire knowledge. The doctors reveal why much of our traditional approach to learning is counterproductive and share insights from decades of cognitive science research.
Key topics include:
The three components of learning: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval processes
Why learning requires memory and how they're inextricably connected
The counterintuitive nature of effective learning strategies and why difficulty enhances retention
Insights from memory athletes and their techniques like memory palaces and visual imagery
Why memory palace techniques work for older adults despite cognitive changes
How false memories form and what this reveals about the reconstructive nature of memory
Why retrieval practice is superior to re-reading and highlighting for long-term retention
The testing effect and how self-assessment drives more efficient studying
Whether you're leading training programs, designing educational curricula, or seeking to optimize your own learning, this conversation provides insights on how learning really works and offers strategies for more effective knowledge acquisition.
Dr. Roediger and Dr. McDaniel's Book https://www.amazon.com/Make-Stick-Science-Successful-Learning/dp/0674729013
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Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com
Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/
Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) Tool: Personal Journeys into Memory and Learning Research
(04:00) Technique: The Three Components of Learning - Encoding, Consolidation, Retrieval
(07:00) Tip: Why Learning Requires Memory and Connecting to Prior Knowledge
(11:00) Tool: Counterintuitive Learning Strategies and Desirable Difficulties
(14:00) Technique: Memory Athletes - Techniques, Abilities, and Limitations
(19:00) Tip: Memory Palaces for Older Adults and Practical Applications
(24:00) Tool: Working Memory, Attention, and Cognitive Overload Management
(29:00) Technique: False Memories and the Reconstructive Nature of Memory
(33:00) Tip: Retrieval Practice vs Re-reading - The Testing Effect
(37:00) Tool: Self-Assessment and Efficient Study Targeting
(39:54) Conclusion