Learning, teaching, study strategies, education trends and practical ways to build knowledge.
Ever walk into the kitchen, open the fridge, and instantly forget why you’re there? I do it so often I’ve named the phenomenon “Fridge-nesia.” The good news: short-term memory (STM) isn’t set in stone. Like biceps, it gets stronger with targeted reps—only your curls are mental instead of metallic. Below are seven fun, research-supported exercises…
I’m a big fan of good questions—especially the ones that stop me mid-scroll and make me go, “Wait… why do I think that?” If you’d like more of those light-bulb moments, you’re in luck. Below are five science-supported ways to improve critical thinking without needing a lab coat or a philosopher’s beard (though the beard…
Spoiler: you don’t outgrow the itch to learn—you just need better toys. Below are nine science-supported activities I’ve tested (sometimes on myself) that make adult learning stick, feel fun, and fit a busy schedule. 1. Micro-Learning Bursts When my attention span feels shorter than an espresso shot, I lean on micro-learning—5- to 10-minute lessons delivered…
Metric System Mnemonic: King Henry’s 7-Step Ladder What is the metric system mnemonic? Say “King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk” to remember seven familiar positions: Kilo (k), Hecto (h), Deka (da), Base unit (metre, litre or gram), Deci (d), Centi (c), Milli (m). This “King Henry” memory aid shows the order of common prefixes,…
What is the best speed reading course online in 2026? It depends on whether you need instructor-led practice, self-paced video lessons, a reading-fluency assessment or simply a tool for previewing long documents. We reviewed current official course descriptions and compared what each program actually teaches, not headline promises of “triple your reading speed.” Quick picks:…
Does reading aloud slow reading speed? True or false? True, in general. Reading aloud is usually slower than reading silently because spoken words require physical articulation. A major 2019 review of reading-rate studies found averages of about 183 words per minute aloud, compared with 238 words per minute silently for English nonfiction. That is a…
I’ll admit it: I once believed that “speed-reading” meant transforming into a literary Flash who could breeze through War and Peace before breakfast. Then I read the research—slowly—and learned better. There are articles that will help you read faster, but only if you practice with purpose and keep your comprehension hat firmly in place. Below…
What are the best speed reading books in 2026? It depends on whether you want a structured workbook, short daily drills, a traditional reading curriculum or strategies for remembering what you read. The seven books below offer different approaches. None can guarantee that you will read two or three times faster with exactly the same…
I love the idea of tearing through a stack of physics papers before my coffee gets cold, but my inner science teacher keeps whispering, “Sure… but did you actually understand any of it?” Let’s unpack what researchers have found about speed reading and comprehension, and then look at practical, brain-friendly fixes. How Fast Is “Fast,”…
Reading comprehension is the happy moment when the squiggles on a page turn into living ideas in your head. It’s not just pronouncing words; it’s connecting them to meaning, prior knowledge, and “A-ha!” insights. If you’ve ever reached the bottom of a page and thought, What did I just read?, this article is for you….