Scott Young gave me a peek at “Learn More, Study Less“, his new ebook and companion video course that does exactly what it says on the tin.  Today I’m reviewing the product.  I’ve got a short review and a long review.

Here’s the short review:
Learn More, Study Less helps you learn more and study less.  You’d like to do that, wouldn’t you?  If so, buy the course and start seeing the bigger picture.

Here’s the long review:
The best way to explain Learn More, Study Less is by calling it a complete learning system.  Rote memorisation of facts is tired and cumbersome.  Through this course, Scott explains how your learning can become expansive.  Problems aren’t one-dimensional; you’ll often find many answers to the same question.

Scott offers the course as either:
– A 228-page ebook, case studies & worksheets for $39 (about £25);
– A complete video course (around 6 hours) and a set of interviews in addition to the ebook, case studies & worksheets for $67 (about £42)

The book starts by helping you to remove those blinkers and take a good look around.  From this new viewpoint, all the links and connections between subjects become apparent.

Sound overwhelming?  It’s not.  The natural approaches explained in the book are a boon, not a pain.

Scott asks if there are certain subjects you just “get”.  The way you handle these subjects is likely different to those you have a block on, or those you find more difficult to learn from.  The book highlights what elements of learning are in play with the subjects you “get”, giving you scope to use them on other subjects.

In Part 1, a six-step approach is outlined in detail: Acquire, Understand, Explore, Debug, Apply & Test.  In addition, Scott describes the many types of information out there and how to process each type.

Part 2 describes important techniques for bringing the holistic learning strategy to life.  With speed reading, idea linking, mental and emotional images, practical uses to aid learning, and so on, there’s a wealth of goodies you’ll want to play with and master here.

The book gives no quick fixes.  What the book does so well is provide you with detailed explanations of how your everyday learning can become a permanent fix in itself. My own experience has helped me realise that putting in the initial work is far better than slapping on a quick fix at the end.  That’s why I hate cramming before tests and why I can’t stand writing coursework at the last minute.

Learn More, Study Less goes beyond passing tests.  And rightly so. A focus on testing only weakens ability to concentrate on the bigger picture.  The book calls on you to question why you *want* to learn anything.  When you can question the usefulness of what you’re learning, you’re better equipped to learn it.

Part 3 looks past holistic learning and looks at being a productive student and how to educate yourself by using what you’ve learned.  Part 4 contains a helpful summary and recap.

Scott throws in some real case studies and helpful worksheets as part of the package.  These allow you to focus even further on what’s required.  Like I said at the beginning of the review, this really is set up to be a complete and flexible learning system.

Positive Points:

• I have used most of the techniques within this book at different stages in my life and I know how well they have served me.  This alone is enough for me to heartily recommend the product.
• The book is easy to read and the writing clear and concise.  Complicated methods are described as simply as possible so you’re free to develop your technique effectively.
• Scott’s video classes (in the $67 package) are great value for money and complement the book well.  The videos really help bring some of the points to life.
• You’re not left scared and confused.  At no point are you made to feel out of your depth.  You do have to put the work in to make holistic learning work, but that’s a matter of choice, not a matter of ability.

Negative Points:

• No references list.  A lot of the methods documented here have been known to work for many years.  Perhaps I’m being greedy, but I’d have liked to see where some of Scott’s ideas had originated from.
• Price could put off some students. Costing the same as some academic textbooks, it may put you off. Yet seen as a complete course, it does represent good value for money.  Scott also provides a 60-day guarantee if you’re not happy.
• You must be self-determined.  I’ve already said that the book isn’t about quick fixes.  Commitment is required.  Sadly, not everyone is looking for that.  Simply reading the book will not do.

In Closing:
At the back of Learn More, Study Less, Scott rightly says that “No technique, method or trick can replace motivation”.  This is key to learning well.  Anything less only works as a temporary mask.  And it won’t fool anybody.

Forget masks.  This course gives you the tools you need to up your game for good.

“Find your reason for learning.  Even if the reason is as simple as curiosity, find a reason to want to know.” – Scott Young

[Note: I am happy to be an affiliate for Scott’s course.  I only recommend products if I feel they provide good quality. This product certainly does that.]