How learning works: seven research-based principles for smart teaching by Susan A. Ambrose Summary

1. Prior knowledge can either accelerate learning or create stubborn misconceptions.
2. Susan Ambrose identifies seven research-based principles that transform teaching effectiveness.
3. Experts organize knowledge into dense interconnected structures that novices lack.
4. Motivation determines which learning behaviors students will sustain over time.
5. Goal-directed practice with targeted feedback enhances retention better than repetition.
6. How Learning Works bridges the gap between learning research and classroom practice.
7. Mastery requires integrating component skills and knowing when to apply them.
8. Course climate directly impacts whether students feel energized or hindered by learning.
9. Self-directed learners actively monitor and adjust their approaches through metacognitive skills.
10. Learning is a process students do, not something done to them.
11. Ambrose defines learning as change that increases potential for improved future performance.
12. Activating relevant prior knowledge helps students filter and interpret new information effectively.

About the Author

Susan A. Ambrose is the author of How Learning Works: Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching and a leading expert in educational psychology and cognitive science applied to higher education. With a PhD in American history from Carnegie Mellon University, she served as Associate Provost for Education and Director of the Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence, where she pioneered faculty development programs grounded in learning research.

Her work bridges cognitive psychology, educational theory, and practical teaching strategies, translating complex research into actionable principles for educators. Ambrose has held leadership positions at Carnegie Mellon and Northeastern University, where she continues as Professor of Education and History.

She has been a visiting scholar for the American Society of Engineering Education and the National Science Foundation, and has secured major grants from organizations including the NSF and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. How Learning Works has been translated into multiple languages and is widely used by both university faculty and K-12 teachers internationally, establishing itself as a foundational text in evidence-based pedagogy.

FAQs About This Book

What is How Learning Works by Susan A. Ambrose about?

How Learning Works by Susan A. Ambrose presents seven research-based principles that explain how students learn and how educators can apply these insights to improve teaching effectiveness. The book bridges cognitive science research with practical classroom strategies, addressing common teaching challenges like why students struggle to apply knowledge, cling to misconceptions, or use ineffective study strategies. It provides instructors with actionable approaches across all disciplines and institution types.

Who is Susan A. Ambrose and what are her credentials?

Susan A. Ambrose is a Senior Vice Provost at Northeastern University and a leading expert in teaching and learning. She co-authored How Learning Works with Michael W. Bridges, Marsha C. Lovett, Michele DiPietro, and Marie K. Norman, drawing on over twenty-nine years of consulting experience with faculty about effective instruction. Her work focuses on translating cognitive science and educational psychology research into practical teaching strategies that enhance student learning outcomes.

Who should read How Learning Works?

How Learning Works is essential for college faculty members, graduate students, instructional designers, faculty developers, and librarians seeking to improve their teaching effectiveness. The book also benefits K-12 educators and anyone involved in curriculum design or educational leadership. Whether you're a novice instructor or experienced professor, the research-based principles apply across disciplines, cultures, and educational contexts, making it valuable for educators at any experience level.

Is How Learning Works by Susan A. Ambrose worth reading?

How Learning Works is widely regarded as an essential read for educators, receiving critical acclaim since its 2010 publication. The book effectively bridges the gap between learning research and practical classroom application, offering concrete strategies rather than abstract theory. Its seven principles resonate across disciplines and cultures, from Latin America to Asia, providing instructors with evidence-based approaches that directly address common teaching challenges and enhance student learning outcomes.

What are the seven principles in How Learning Works?

The seven principles of How Learning Works address fundamental aspects of student learning:

• prior knowledge can help or hinder learning
• knowledge organization affects application
• motivation determines learning engagement
• mastery requires skill integration and practice
• goal-directed practice with feedback enhances learning
• course climate impacts student success
• self-directed learning requires metacognitive skills

Each principle is supported by cognitive science research and accompanied by specific classroom implementation strategies.

How does prior knowledge affect learning according to How Learning Works?

Prior knowledge serves as the foundation for new learning, influencing how students filter and interpret information, according to How Learning Works. When activated effectively through strategies like brainstorming, prior knowledge enhances retention and understanding by helping students connect new concepts to existing frameworks. However, inaccurate prior knowledge or misconceptions can hinder learning, requiring educators to assess students' existing understanding and address faulty assumptions before introducing new material.

What does How Learning Works say about student motivation?

How Learning Works identifies motivation as the force that determines, directs, and sustains learning behaviors. The book recommends connecting course material to students' interests, providing authentic real-world tasks that demonstrate practical application, and clearly articulating learning goals to boost confidence and engagement. Understanding what motivates students—including value, expectancy, and environment factors—helps instructors create learning experiences that energize rather than discourage student participation and persistence.

How does knowledge organization impact learning in How Learning Works?

Knowledge organization determines whether students can retrieve and apply information effectively, according to How Learning Works. The book emphasizes that students need to organize information in structured, interconnected ways rather than isolated facts to facilitate transfer and problem-solving. Instructors should provide initial organizing schemes like concept maps or frameworks, then monitor how students process information to ensure they're building meaningful connections rather than simply memorizing disconnected pieces.

What strategies does How Learning Works recommend for skill mastery?

How Learning Works explains that mastery requires three components: acquiring component skills, integrating them into cohesive performance, and knowing when to apply them. The book emphasizes deliberate practice—focused, goal-directed repetition with targeted feedback—as essential for skill development. Instructors should break down complex performances into manageable components, provide opportunities for practice aligned with learning goals, and offer timely feedback that helps students refine their abilities and self-correct.

How does course climate affect student learning in How Learning Works?

Course climate—the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical environment—significantly impacts student learning, according to How Learning Works. A positive climate energizes students and promotes engagement, while negative climates create anxiety and hinder participation, particularly for underrepresented groups. The book recommends creating inclusive environments through clear expectations, respectful interactions, and recognition of diverse student backgrounds to ensure all learners feel valued and supported in taking intellectual risks.

What is self-directed learning in How Learning Works?

Self-directed learning involves students' ability to monitor their comprehension, evaluate their learning strategies, and adjust their approaches based on task demands, according to How Learning Works. The book emphasizes metacognitive skills—thinking about one's own thinking—as essential for academic success and lifelong learning. Instructors can foster self-directed learning by teaching students to assess their understanding, recognize when strategies aren't working, and consciously select more effective approaches for different learning situations.

What makes How Learning Works different from other teaching books?

How Learning Works bridges the gap between learning research and classroom practice by distilling cognitive science into seven actionable principles rather than overwhelming educators with theoretical jargon. Unlike purely theoretical texts, each chapter provides specific, research-based strategies for implementation across disciplines and contexts. The book's strength lies in addressing recurring teaching problems faculty face universally—such as why students can't apply knowledge or cling to misconceptions—with evidence-based solutions that work regardless of subject matter or institution type.