Pragmatic Thinking and Learning

All day long, you're thinking. There's always something new you need to learn. But do you know the best ways to think, or learn? We all know how to work with software and hardware, but what about wetware-our own brains?
In this new book by Pragmatic Programmer Andy Hunt, you'll see how to become more expert. You'll discover the real differences between novices and experts, and how to deal with both more effectively so you can keep on top of your game.

You'll learn about different brain functions such as synthesis vs. analysis, sequential processing and pattern-matching, and master new techniques for harvesting internal clues, including the one simple habit that separates the geniuses from the "wanna-bes." See how to learn more deliberately by managing your Knowledge Portfolio and explore practical learning techniques. We'll look at mind maps (and how not to use them), better reading techniques, and situational feedback. You'll also learn one proven technique that will improve your daily productivity by 20%-30%. These aren't party tricks. This is the real stuff that will make you more creative, more insightful, and more effective at what you do.

Together we'll journey together through bits of cognitive and neuroscience, learning and behavioral theory. You'll discover some surprising aspects of how our brains work, and see how you can beat the system to improve your own learning and thinking skills.

In this book you'll learn how to:
- Use the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition to become more expert
- Leverage the architecture of the brain to strengthen different thinking modes
- Avoid common "known bugs" in your mind
- Learn more deliberately and more effectively
- Manage knowledge more efficiently

Software development happens in your head. Not in an editor, IDE, or design tool. It's time to take a pragmatic approach to thinking and learning, and start to refactor-and redesign-your brain.