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71 of 73 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A life-centering guide for lifelong learning., April 5, 1999
This review is from: Peak Learning (Paperback)
For decades Ronald Gross has been bearing the torch for lifelong learning with unrelenting enthusiasm. I'll never forget many years ago discovering the first edition of his book, "The Independent Scholar's Handbook." It gave me the confidence I needed at the time to take self-education seriously. What I would have given to have had a book like "Peak Learning" when I began my journey of lifelong learning. My philosophy of autodidactic learning is to think of an education not as something you get but as something you take. The new edition of "Peak Learning" shows you how to proceed on such a journey for yourself. Ronald Gross gives practical advice that seems like common sense, except that traditional education in America is far too focused on predetermined outcomes and spoon-fed knowledge. Many people who think themselves to be highly educated have little sense of their own strengths and learning styles. The result is a life of frustration and often a haunting feeling of inadequacy because they have never truly experienced the exhilaration of discovery based upon quenching their own thirst for knowledge. In "Peak Learning," Ronald Gross shows you how to gain the kind of confidence that will allow you to take charge of your education and dramatically change your life. Highly recommended
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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-have text for the adult learner, June 13, 2002
This review is from: Peak Learning (Paperback)
This book is essential for any adult returning to school or to learning. Gross discusses the reasons for continuing our learning as well as the ways we can maximize our learning potential. Gross begins be talking about the necessity and science of learning. At first, I thought this was not essential to book, but it does provide a rationale for learning as well as help the reader build confidence in his or her ability to learn as an adult. This had a positive effect on students in my class. Throughout the book are many exercises readers can use to discover what kind of learners they are, such as top-down or bottom-up. This allows them to structure their study more effectively and to recognize the different pitfalls that could discourage them. Knowing that other people have the same fears and abilities can be emboldening. I would highly recommend this to all adults. To keep up in this economy and workplace, you need to continue learning. This book can help you do this effectively.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Survive the Knowledge Age, December 9, 2003
This review is from: Peak Learning (Paperback)
The coming of the Knowledge Age requires us to learn how to learn. I have found few books that address this subject, though. As a learning professional in corporate America, I have discovered that even the most intelligent folks are sometimes inefficient or ineffective learners. Reading this book and applying its concepts is a great start if you truly want to become a lifelong learner. There are oodles of theories of learning. Fortunately, Gross does a good job of synthesizing these into a simple, practical, and cohesive package that can be applied by anyone. His approach is amazingly holistic--he gives advice not only on conventional topics of learning (memory), but also on overcoming anxieties, creating a learning environment, and even preparing your body for learning. In addition, he steers the reader to extracting learning from experiences we generally take for granted, such as museums, bookstores, and zoos. He helps you see that learning is not just about sitting in class--it's something you do all the time. Ellen Langer's Power of Mindful Learning (which I also highly recommend) touches on some of the same themes, such as gaining a learning mindset and breaking learning myths. The difference, however, is that Langer's book is a theoretical piece. Gross's book, on the other hand, has lots of practical activities that can immediately begin moving you moving along on the path to becoming a better learner. My toolbox is full of ideas now about how to help others learn how to learn. If you want to thrive in the Knowledge Age, get this book and learn how to learn.
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