The general nature of human cognition and learning : probably not quite what you think it is -- The human brain : the hardware of our thinking and learning -- Cognition and learning as constructive processes : finding order in chaos -- Key components of the human memory system : an overly simplistic yet useful model -- In-depth cognitive processing : maximizing the "long-term" in long-term memory -- Remembering, forgetting, and misremembering: why long-term memory isn't always dependable -- Metacognition : thinking about thinking -- Conceptual change : revising our understandings when revisions are called for -- Bringing other factors into the picture : how emotions, dispositions, and attributions affect thinking and learning -- Self-regulating our behavior : turning intentions into actions.

"Written in a conversational and engaging manner, How we think and learn introduces readers to basic principles and research findings regarding human cognition and memory. It also highlights and debunks twenty-eight common misconceptions about thinking, learning, and the brain. Interspersed throughout the book are many short do-it-yourself exercises in which readers can observe key principles in their own thinking and learning. All ten chapters end with concrete recommendations, both for readers' own learning and for teaching and working effectively with others. As an accomplished researcher and writer, Jeanne Ellis Ormrod gives us a book that is not only highly informative but also a delight to read"--Back cover.