Making Kids Cleverer book cover

Making Kids Cleverer by David Didau Summary

Making Kids Cleverer
David Didau
4.2 (128 Reviews)
Education
Psychology
Science
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Making Kids Cleverer

David Didau's groundbreaking guide revolutionizes education by blending research with practical strategies. Endorsed by education expert Paul Kirschner, this book reveals counterintuitive methods to enhance children's intelligence. Can cleverness truly be taught? Discover why this resource shapes modern teaching practices worldwide.

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Key takeaways

1

Unlocking the Potential of Every Child's Mind

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What if we've been thinking about intelligence all wrong? David Didau's "Making Kids Cleverer" challenges our fundamental assumptions about education with a provocative thesis: intelligence isn't fixed, and schools can systematically make children smarter through knowledge acquisition. This isn't just academic theory - it's a roadmap for addressing one of education's most persistent problems: the 19.3-month achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged 16-year-olds. While most educational debates pit traditional against progressive approaches, Didau charts a third path focused on building intelligence through deliberate knowledge-building. The implications are profound - intelligence correlates with virtually every positive life outcome from health and wealth to happiness and longevity. If we can make children cleverer, we can transform their futures.

2

Our Evolutionary Heritage and the Nature of Intelligence

3

Building Intelligence Through Effective Learning Strategies

4

Knowledge: The Foundation of All Thinking

5

Powerful Knowledge and Threshold Concepts

6

Educational Equity Through Knowledge Access

7

The Path to a More Equitable Education System

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@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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comments
12
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108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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@Jaded_Falcon
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@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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comments
201
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16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments
37
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483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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