217. Why Learning Fails (and What To Do) - with Alex Quigley

What if the fastest way to learn better is to understand why and where learning breaks down? In this episode, I’m joined by leading UK educator and author Alex Quigley to unpack his eight predictable failure points that derail studying — and the practical, research-backed strategies that fix them. Failure is normal. Success comes from recognising the signals early and responding with the right tools: retrieval practice, spaced learning, improved planning and evaluation, and metacognitive reflection of your studying. If you want to study less but learn more, this episode shows you how to close knowledge gaps, balance your confidence and find the motivation to turn struggles into steady progress. ** ⭐About today’s guest, Alex Quigley: Alex Quigley is a well-known figure in UK education: author of several popular books & a monthly column for the Times Educational Supplement, he's a former teacher who now works at the Education Endowment Foundation. 🌐Discover Alex’s blog and resources at: 📖 Grab a copy of his book Why Learning Fails (And What To Do About It) right here: ** Also mentioned: Graham Nuthall, The Hidden Lives of Learners: ** 🎓About Exam Study Expert: Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress. 🎯 Book 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: 📘Get Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book: * ** Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh. * As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books. Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

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217. Why Learning Fails (and What To Do) - with Alex Quigley is an episode from Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning by William Wadsworth.

This episode is 47:13 long.

This episode was published on Feb 22, 2026.

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