"The main wisdom that this book teaches is the fact that the "act of learning" is itself a skill that must be learned."
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Bulman Learning Algorithm by Alan Bulman Trafford Publishing
book review by Lori Lucero
The Bulman Learning Algorithm is a technique developed to make learning faster, more efficient, and more enjoyable. It uses learning by association, which involves selecting a mnemonic from a passage (i.e., in a textbook) and then making a list of keywords that link the main ideas together. These words are then organized into a matrix similar to a crossword puzzle. For example, "eggs over easy" (an example from the book) would be...
o e
v a
e g g s
r y
The book opens with a brief explanation of the technique. The remainder consists of aphorisms written out and then formed into crossword-style matrices. For example, "Patience is the best remedy for every trouble" -Plautus. The words "Nothing like, patience, best, trouble, remedy" are arranged into a matrix. This "simple wisdom from past generations" is intended to teach a basic, self-directed psychology course with the help of the matrices to enhance learning.
The Bulman method requires one to manipulate the information presented rather than simply rereading it. The visual presentation of the crossword-matrix could help visual learners. However, the book contains no chapters or subsections, and the aphorisms aren't grouped according to any particular theme. An aphorism related to health, for example, might be next to one related to money. Overall, the book might best be digested in small amounts; that is, by reading a page or two a day and reflecting on the ideas presented.